Hoover Created Quote by Amity Shlaes
““Hoover had also created a Division of Simplified Practices, whose job it was to standardize and harmonize the distressinly fractious and unresponsible manufacturing and construction sectors. In those days roads were often still paved in brick, and brick was a typical example: sixty-six different sizes were being produced by manufacturers when Hoover ordered research on the topic. This was sheer waste, as far as the utilitarian Hoover was concerned. He therefore pulled the nation's paving-brick firms into a room and settled the matter; the range of sizes dropped from sixty-six to eleven. Emboldened, Hoover also looked into brick for homes; here he claimed victoryoutright, for the number of sizes went "from forty-four to one," the praiseful Irvin reported. Then there were beds. Seventy-four different sizes were available; as a result of encouragement from Hoover, the figure went down to four" (page 37)””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Great Depression: A Diary, Amity Shlaes, 2008
Hoover reduced product variety in bricks and beds to cut waste and improve efficiency.
In simple terms: Hoover standardized many sizes to save resources.
Key Takeaway
Simplify and standardize to reduce waste.
Themes
efficiency
standardization
government policy
industrial reform
resource management
Mood
pragmatic
analytical
Type
historical
policy analysis
When to use this quote
- government procurement
- construction industry
- housing manufacturing
- product design
- policy implementation
Key Concepts
economics
public administration
industrial engineering
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the trade‑offs between standardization and diversity?
- How can we balance efficiency with creativity?
A Different Perspective
Standardization can limit consumer choice and stifle innovation.
