Asks Quote by Charles Francis Richter
“Most loss of life and property has been due to the collapse of antiquated and unsafe structures, mostly of brick and other masonry. ... There is progress of California toward building new construction according to earthquake-resistant design. We would have less reason to ask for earthquake prediction if this was universal.”
About This Quote
Source Report: California seismic safety review, 1995
Most deaths and damage come from old, weak structures; modern earthquake‑resistant building standards could greatly reduce loss, making prediction less necessary.
In simple terms: Old buildings cause most harm; better construction helps.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize retrofitting and resilient design.
Themes
architecture
seismic safety
public policy
risk management
Mood
concerned
optimistic
Type
policy
informative
When to use this quote
- building codes
- retrofit programs
- insurance underwriting
- emergency preparedness
Key Concepts
structural engineering
earthquake prediction
urban planning
Questions to Reflect On
- What barriers prevent widespread retrofitting?
- Can prediction still be valuable despite better construction?
A Different Perspective
Even with strong codes, older buildings remain a threat.
![“Magnitude may be compared to the power output in kilowatts of a [radio] broadcasting station; local intensity, on the Mercalli or similar scale, is then comparable to the signal strength noted on a receiver at a given locality. Intensity, like signal strength, will generally fall off with distance…” quote by Charles Francis Richter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fb0/charles-francis-richter-15733_broadcasting_magnitude-may-be-compared-to-the-power-o_594188.jpg)
