The Forward March of Psychological Science and Practice

Abstract

The English word pioneer has a curious etymology. Its ultimate origin is the Latin word for “foot”—the same source as that for words like pedal, pedestrian, millipede, expedite, impede, podiatry, podium, octopus, and peon. The most proximate source is the Old French word peonier, for “foot soldier,” which in its turn was adapted from the Late Latin word for someone who has “broad feet.” In line with this usage is the word's military application to the soldiers who performed the basic demolition and construction work needed to facilitate troop progress in the field. Thus, the original meaning of pioneer was, if you will pardon the pun, rather pedestrian. Certainly, it is a far cry from its current exalted status as someone who ventures into new territory or who opens up new areas of creativity or leadership—the trailblazers, groundbreakers, and innovators of history. Yet the diverse meanings have one claim in common: Pioneers are all engaged in advancing from one point to another, where that advancement poses some special challenges with respect to the uncertain, the unknown, or the unprecedented.