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To recap: it is possible to put decent information into a…

“To recap: it is possible to put decent information into a Government Machine, have ordinary, good people running the thing, and a reasonable system in place, and still get utter idiocy out of the dispenser?" "More than possible. Likely.” quote by Nick Harkaway
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““To recap: it is possible to put decent information into a Government Machine, have ordinary, good people running the thing, and a reasonable system in place, and still get utter idiocy out of the dispenser?" "More than possible. Likely.””

Nick Harkaway

About This Quote

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

Even good systems and people can produce absurd outcomes; complexity breeds error.

In simple terms: Systems can fail despite good intent.

Key Takeaway

Design checks for absurdity.

Themes

technology bureaucracy failure

Mood

critical analytical

Type

observational cautionary

When to use this quote

  • software development
  • policy making
  • organizational management

Key Concepts

systemic risk human error

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you detect hidden absurdities?
  • What safeguards can prevent them?
A Different Perspective

Over‑reliance on process can mask flaws.

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