--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: You want a valve that doesn't leak and…" description: "\"You want a valve that doesn't leak and you try everything possible to develop one. But the real world provides you with a leaky valve. You have to dete..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1a1/arthur-rudolph-220961_determine_you-want-a-valve-that-doesn-t-leak-and-y_2587767.jpg" --- # You want a valve that doesn't leak and you try everything… ![“You want a valve that doesn't leak and you try everything possible to develop one. But the real world provides you with a leaky valve. You have to determine how much leakiness you can tolerate.” quote by Arthur Rudolph](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1a1/arthur-rudolph-220961_determine_you-want-a-valve-that-doesn-t-leak-and-y_2587767.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1a1/arthur-rudolph-220961_determine_you-want-a-valve-that-doesn-t-leak-and-y_2587767.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1a1/arthur-rudolph-220961_determine_you-want-a-valve-that-doesn-t-leak-and-y_2587767.jpg) > “You want a valve that doesn't leak and you try everything possible to develop one. But the real world provides you with a leaky valve. You have to determine how much leakiness you can tolerate.” Arthur Rudolph ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A pragmatic view on engineering limits: design for leaks, but accept the real world’s imperfections, balancing ideal and practical tolerance. **In simple terms:** Design acknowledges inevitable leaks. Key Takeaway Determine acceptable leak tolerance. Themes engineering risk practicality design Mood analytical pragmatic Type technical practical When to use this quote - technical writing - project management Key Concepts product development risk assessment Questions to Reflect On - What leak level is acceptable? - How to balance ideal vs. reality? 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