Jack Michael’s Flight From Behavior Analysis, his 1980 Presidential Address for ABA, is one of the most insightful articles I’ve read. Even though it was written over 40 years ago, so much of what he discussed still applies to the field today. Michael talked about the challenges behavior analysts face in staying true to the science, particularly the tendency to drift away from its foundational principles. He highlighted how, over time, certain practices can become more mainstream but may lose some of the precision and depth that make behavior analysis so effective. His words serve as a great reminder that continuing to learn and refine our skills is essential for keeping our field strong and impactful.

Reading this article made me feel especially grateful to work for a company that actively prioritizes ongoing education, mentorship, and high-quality supervision. I appreciate being part of a team that values function-based interventions, strong conceptual understanding, and a commitment to ethical, evidence-based practices. I believe Michael’s message isn’t about criticism, but rather about reflection and growth. His insights encourage all of us to keep striving for excellence in the way we apply behavior analysis, and I love that I get to be part of a community that embraces that challenge every day.

Michael, J. (1980). Flight from behavior analysis. The Behavior Analyst, 3(2), 1–21.