On Life

What is the value of one life? We do not often ask that question, but it is wrapped up in much of what we do – – and things we make.

We say life is “priceless”, but is it?

It is a known fact that cars have fatal accidents, planes crash, trains derail, bridges are washed away, car seats fail, ladders collapse. And on and on. The rate of failure and number of fatalities can be greatly reduced by more extensive engineering, more redundant systems, more bulk, better padding. Food and drug products can be more rigidly controlled and better sanitized. Materials can be more fire resistant, etc. But all these things cost money or sacrifice capacity, reduce speed, lessen convenience, limit availability, etc. It is judged that, at some point, people won’t buy, won’t use or won’t travel when the costs exceed a certain level. In combat someone deems the possession of a strategic hill is valued higher that the lives to be lost taking it. In other words we tacitly tolerate a definite element of risk of life in just about everything, rather than sacrifice the benefit, the convenience or pay the cost of added safety and security. We rarely know what that cost is and it is certainly not the same in every case. But there is an implied cost to human life and, knowingly or unknowingly, we accept it.

In wars, domestic conflicts, and in police work there are significant risks to life and limb. The lawful force is at risk and innocent people are often in jeopardy. Regrettably, that is the cost of law and order, that is the price of safety and security. We, in essence, accept those risks and are willing to bear the loss for the peace of mind we hope to enjoy and for the greater good to the community, to the state and to the country.  Maybe unwittingly, but we have put a value on human life. 

The issue is relevant when considering whether to open businesses and schools, reopen the economy and put people back to work now or to wait until time and a vaccine will minimize loss of life. How do we balance the benefit to millions against the lives that will be lost. What value to we place on those lost lives?

– – – Just the dilemma of a common man