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You want a valve that doesn't leak and you try everything…

“You want a valve that doesn't leak and you try everything possible to develop one. But the real world provides you with a leaky valve. You have to determine how much leakiness you can tolerate.” quote by Arthur Rudolph
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“You want a valve that doesn't leak and you try everything possible to develop one. But the real world provides you with a leaky valve. You have to determine how much leakiness you can tolerate.”

Arthur Rudolph

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A pragmatic view on engineering limits: design for leaks, but accept the real world’s imperfections, balancing ideal and practical tolerance.

In simple terms: Design acknowledges inevitable leaks.

Key Takeaway

Determine acceptable leak tolerance.

Themes

engineering risk practicality design

Mood

analytical pragmatic

Type

technical practical

When to use this quote

  • technical writing
  • project management

Key Concepts

product development risk assessment

Questions to Reflect On

  • What leak level is acceptable?
  • How to balance ideal vs. reality?
A Different Perspective

Complex for non‑technical readers.

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