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Large increases in cost with questionable increases in…

“Large increases in cost with questionable increases in performance can be tolerated only in race horses and fancy women.” quote by Lord Kelvin
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“Large increases in cost with questionable increases in performance can be tolerated only in race horses and fancy women.”

Lord Kelvin

About This Quote

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

Excessive cost for marginal performance gains is only acceptable in frivolous or non-essential contexts.

In simple terms: Paying too much for little improvement is wasteful.

Key Takeaway

Avoid unnecessary expense.

Themes

economics efficiency value

Mood

critical pragmatic

Type

analytical cautionary

When to use this quote

  • budget planning
  • product development
  • luxury purchases
  • sports equipment

Key Concepts

cost‑benefit analysis diminishing returns

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is the extra cost justified by real benefit?
  • What alternatives exist?
A Different Perspective

Limited resources make such spending impractical for most.

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