He who designs an unsafe structure or an inoperative…
“He who designs an unsafe structure or an inoperative machine is a bad Engineer; he who designs them so that they are safe and operative, but needlessly expensive, is a poor Engineer, and … he who does the best work at the lowest cost sooner or later stands at the top of his profession.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Engineers should aim for safety, functionality, and cost-efficiency; excellence at low cost leads to professional leadership.
In simple terms: Balance safety, function, and cost.
Key Takeaway
Strive for efficient, safe, affordable designs.
Themes
engineering
ethics
efficiency
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
Type
maxim
professional guide
When to use this quote
- construction projects
- product development
- budget planning
Key Concepts
cost-benefit analysis
professional standards
Questions to Reflect On
- How can cost reductions compromise safety?
- What incentives promote high-quality low-cost engineering?