Dangerous Quote by Donald Rumsfeld
“Be precise. A lack of precision is dangerous when the margin of error is small.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Defense Procurement, 2002
Precision matters especially when errors can have large consequences; small margins demand exactness.
In simple terms: Being exact is critical when errors are costly.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize accuracy in high‑risk tasks.
Themes
risk management
accuracy
decision making
Mood
cautious
focused
Type
advice
technical
When to use this quote
- laboratory work
- medical surgery
- financial modeling
- military operations
- software development
Key Concepts
error analysis
precision engineering
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify precision under pressure?
- What safeguards can catch small errors before they amplify?
A Different Perspective
Even precise actions can fail if underlying assumptions are wrong.
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