Sticky Stuff

The waders I used, to launch a raft for languishing turtles on my favorite pond, leaked. Cold water seeped in at the middle of my thigh, chilling and uncomfortable but not life threatening to be sure. After identifying the hole I spread the waders in the sun to dry and went off to other things. Now it occurs to me that I should have patched the waders before boxing and storing. Duct tape, a small piece placed carefully inside, would prevent the next user's discomfort.

Duct tape - how universal that product has become! Duct tape began as the patch of choice – a band aid of sorts - for thousands of situations that needed installation or repair. Where did duct tape come from? Nobody really knows. Oh sure, we all have a favorite story of a miracle it produced. But why is its origin so difficult to uncover? Past inventions are written in history. Benjamin Franklin invented many things and argued about patents. He believed all people should benefit and no one should singularly profit. Well just look at the picky little inventions now patented to see how far that idea went awry.

Our economic system of dog eat dog tells a sad tale. Real inventors are never known. They remain hidden in research laboratories. They are nameless drudges who dedicate their hours to observation, testing, recording, and retesting. When the inventions are manufactured the originator of the test or observation or retesting is hardly noticed. The inventions are the property of the laboratory and an individual matters not.

The success of evolution of our species expects a different path. We evolved to take over the earth, creating wonders and solving problems. Those who invent are satisfied to have done so (well, maybe not all). The human brain has the capacity to solve problems. Will some form of duct tape come forth to save the day?

Naomi Sherer