On two occasions, I have been asked [by members of…
![“On two occasions, I have been asked [by members of Parliament], 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?' I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question.” quote by Charles Babbage](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/714/charles-babbage-8461_computers_on-two-occasions-i-have-been-asked-by-me_2759081.png)
““On two occasions, I have been asked [by members of Parliament], 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?' I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Questioning the reliability of computation when input data are erroneous.
In simple terms: Wrong data yields wrong results.
Key Takeaway
Validate inputs before processing.
Themes
technology
accuracy
logic
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
technical
reflective
When to use this quote
- software development
- data entry
- scientific research
- financial modeling
Key Concepts
error propagation
computational theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure data integrity?
- What safeguards can prevent garbage-in‑garbage-out?
A Different Perspective
Assumes machines can correct human mistakes, which they cannot.