Forget Quote by David Parnas
“We must not forget that the wheel is reinvented so often because it is a very good idea; I've learned to worry more about the soundness of ideas that were invented only once.”
About This Quote
Source Article: Software engineering principles
Innovation is common, but truly valuable ideas are rare; focus should be on evaluating the robustness of those rare ideas rather than constantly reinventing the wheel.
In simple terms: Rare ideas need careful testing, not endless reinvention.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize soundness over novelty.
Themes
innovation
quality
risk management
engineering
ideas
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
cautious
Type
technical
philosophical
advisory
When to use this quote
- project planning
- code reviews
- design meetings
- product development
- risk analysis
Key Concepts
software design
critical thinking
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria determine an idea’s soundness?
- When should we reinvent versus improve?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on novelty can waste resources and overlook proven solutions.
