By the time (the Leaning Tower of Pisa) was 10% built, everyone knew it would be a total disaster. But read more

By the time (the Leaning Tower of Pisa) was 10% built, everyone knew it would be a total disaster. But the investment was so big they felt compelled to go on. Since its completion, it cost a fortune to maintain and is still in danger of collapsing. There are no plans to replace it, since it was never needed in the first place. I expect every installation has its own pet software which is analogous to the above.

When the lay public rallies round to an idea that is denounced by distinguished by elderly scientists and supports the read more

When the lay public rallies round to an idea that is denounced by distinguished by elderly scientists and supports the idea with great fervour and emotion, the distinguished but elderly scientests are then, after all, right. -Isaac Asimov.

What goes up must come down. Ask any system administrator.

What goes up must come down. Ask any system administrator.

There is one thing even more vital to science than intelligent methods; and that is, the sincere desire to find read more

There is one thing even more vital to science than intelligent methods; and that is, the sincere desire to find out the truth, whatever it may be.

The two most common things in the universe are hydrogen and human stupidity.

The two most common things in the universe are hydrogen and human stupidity.

The folly of mistaking a paradox for a discovery, a metaphor for a proof, a torrent of verbiage for a read more

The folly of mistaking a paradox for a discovery, a metaphor for a proof, a torrent of verbiage for a spring of capital truths, and oneself for an oracle, is inborn in us.

If you want to get across an idea, wrap it up in a person.

If you want to get across an idea, wrap it up in a person.

You do not know our culture, our ethics, or the unwritten codes that already provide our society more order than read more

You do not know our culture, our ethics, or the unwritten codes that already provide our society more order than could be obtained by any of your impositions.

Computers are magnificent tools for the realization of our dreams, but no machine can replace the human spark of spirit, read more

Computers are magnificent tools for the realization of our dreams, but no machine can replace the human spark of spirit, compassion, love, and understanding.