[civilized]

People collect all sorts of fascinating data but then analyze it so superficially, throwing very low-hanging fruit away without a thought. The biggest loss is information about individual variation.

Why do we only crunch data down to averages? Differences in group variation can be measured just as rigorously as differences in group averages. Repeatedly testing an unusual individual is perfectly legitimate and scientifically interesting. There is no Law of Science that says you have to execute a boring protocol that rigidly assumes everyone is the same.

There's a classic story about how the Air Force learned that no one is average, and switched from fixed "average" cockpit fittings to adjustable ones, greatly reducing accidents. But it seems like no one has learned from this.

For heaven's sake, let's try to learn about individuals and what works for them!