When I stop to think of it, it's really strange how we are stuck with certain concepts, even though better ones exist, just because it's how things "always" have been. In the U.S., the classic example is the imperial system of measurement, particularly in the case of distance. Why are we one of the only nations in the world to still measure in difficult-to-divide units of inches, feet, yards, miles, and acres when there is a much more practical base-ten system to be had? Do people realize how much this affects our educational system in math and science just due to wasted time on conversions alone? This is an "easily" fixed problem with a short-term cost and a long-term benefit.
In a similar vein is the QWERTY keyboard configuration which I am even using to type this post. It was literally DESIGNED to be cumbersome to use and to slow down typing. There are significantly better keyboard formats out there that are faster and much more ergonomically friendly, yet we continue to use this monstrosity.
Progress just for the sake of progress is not a worthy goal. However, these are innovations that would have immediate, tangible benefits that would build gains into the future. Instead, we are stuck with the inefficiencies and difficulties simply because we do not wish to look towards the future.
In a similar vein is the QWERTY keyboard configuration which I am even using to type this post. It was literally DESIGNED to be cumbersome to use and to slow down typing. There are significantly better keyboard formats out there that are faster and much more ergonomically friendly, yet we continue to use this monstrosity.
Progress just for the sake of progress is not a worthy goal. However, these are innovations that would have immediate, tangible benefits that would build gains into the future. Instead, we are stuck with the inefficiencies and difficulties simply because we do not wish to look towards the future.
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