On the other hand, history suggests that catching-up is more than a matter of merely avoiding mistakes.

ECONOMIST: A century of progress

Black says technology is catching up with hand knitting, and machines can create items that do not have any seams.

CNN: From chemistry to catwalk

Some of his childhood, peacetime memories were perhaps as rare as his wartime ones: catching thrushes by hand in the rocky fields, hand-stitching his own shoes, setting up a chimney-sweep business in Nogent-sur-Marne.

ECONOMIST: Lazare Ponticelli

Footitt also had a hand in the removal of Kervezee, catching the 20-year-old at deep mid-wicket as Chesney Hughes, one of nine bowlers used in the innings, claimed his maiden first-class wicket.

BBC: Alexei Kervezee ton helps Worcestershire draw at Derby

China is catching up fast (see right-hand chart).

ECONOMIST: Free exchange

In one drill, Curry has to perform a series of between-the-leg and behind-the-back dribbles while catching and throwing a tennis ball with his right hand.

WSJ: Two Things Stephen Curry Does Better Than You

At 5:30 each morning, espressos in hand, they sit for an hour by a wall of windows overlooking Mount Rainier, catching up on personal stuff.

WSJ: How to Negotiate for More Space in Your Relationship