Your Voice: Embracing the pioneer spirit

Generally, a pioneer is considered a person who does things first and — most of the time — proactively.

European settlers who traveled to America in the 16^th century were called pioneers. But the term shouldn’t be relegated to the past.

For example, the first settlers in a new place, perhaps in space, would be considered pioneers. Maybe you will be one of the pioneers who will live on the Moon’s first settlement.

We also use the term pioneer for anyone who takes initiative in any field, such as science or education. Is it the only meaning? Certainly not, but it is often used this way in today’s parlance.

Historically, pioneer comes from the old French word for foot soldier or laborer, specifically for groups of soldiers that would set out ahead of the rest of the troops to prepare the way.

And while they didn’t have to fear stepping on land mines, they did need to beware of “Lilia,” a sort of pit trap developed by Roman armies that were dug in front of their defenses.

The Lilia featured a quincunx geometric pattern consisting of five points arranged in a cross, with four of them forming a square or rectangle and a fifth at its center. This is similar to the water flooding pattern in an oil field using a water injection system to maintain pressure and natural flow for oil wells. This geometry shape pushes and drives all trapped oil to the surface, while the Lilia trapped the enemies and kept them detained in a confined place.

In short, this geometric pattern was a pioneering initiative.

Pioneers also must be recognized as originators. I recall way back in 1985 when a boy wrote the word “PIONEER” on the rear window of his car. Twenty years later, a ready-made sticker with the world “PIONEER” was being sold in local shops. Was it developed from that first idea in 1985 or was it stolen? Who came up with it? Nobody knows!

So, it is important to register unique approaches, ideas, and products by the initiator to prevent it from being stolen. Sure, sometimes ideas are gladly shared without taking credit, and the pioneering spirit takes a back seat to simply wanting to get the concept out for all to use.

I am sure everyone has at least one initiative or unique idea, but please, don’t hide it. Reveal it, and if you think it’s important enough to stake your name to, work to get it registered. It might be a patent.

(Editor’s Note: Your Voice reflects the thoughts and opinions of the writer and not necessarily those of the publication.)