Balconies Quote by Douglas Adams
![“The switch had two settings. You could either turn it to AUTO, in which case the awning lowered itself whenever the sun came out, or you could set it to MANUEL [sic], in which case, we assumed, a small, incompetent Spanish waiter came and did it for you.” quote by Douglas Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fd4/douglas-adams-122_balconies_the-switch-had-two-settings-you-could-ei_178746.jpg)
“The switch had two settings. You could either turn it to AUTO, in which case the awning lowered itself whenever the sun came out, or you could set it to MANUEL [sic], in which case, we assumed, a small, incompetent Spanish waiter came and did it for you.”
About This Quote
The quote humorously contrasts automatic convenience with reliance on an incompetent human, highlighting how we often prefer technology over flawed service.
In simple terms: Choosing machines over unreliable help.
Key Takeaway
Embrace reliable tools, but don’t dismiss human effort.
Themes
technology
convenience
human error
automation
dependence
Mood
wry
critical
Type
humorous
observational
When to use this quote
- home improvement
- travel
- restaurant service
- event planning
Key Concepts
automation
service design
human‑machine interaction
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you over‑rely on gadgets?
- When is human help preferable?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on tech can reduce personal skill development.
![“Does God know he [exists]?" "Of course he does. Otherwise, you could not have asked the question, and I could not have answered.” quote by Douglas Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a21/douglas-adams-122_courses_does-god-know-he-exists-of-course-he-doe_26187.jpg)
