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It appears that there are enormous differences of opinion…

“It appears that there are enormous differences of opinion as to the probability of a failure with loss of vehicle and of human life. The estimates range from roughly 1 in 100 to 1 in 100,000. The higher figures come from the working engineers, and the very low figures from management.” quote by Richard P. Feynman
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“It appears that there are enormous differences of opinion as to the probability of a failure with loss of vehicle and of human life. The estimates range from roughly 1 in 100 to 1 in 100,000. The higher figures come from the working engineers, and the very low figures from management.”

Richard P. Feynman

About This Quote

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

Highlights divergent risk estimates between engineers and management, underscoring bias and uncertainty in safety predictions.

In simple terms: Engineers and managers disagree on failure probabilities.

Key Takeaway

Balance technical expertise with managerial perspectives for realistic risk evaluation.

Themes

risk assessment bias communication

Mood

analytical cautious

Type

technical educational

When to use this quote

  • aerospace projects
  • construction safety
  • product development

Key Concepts

probability theory organizational behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can teams reconcile differing risk estimates?
  • What methods improve objective safety analysis?
A Different Perspective

Overreliance on any single viewpoint can lead to misjudgment.

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