Animal Quote by George Bernard Shaw
“The wheels are turning, but the hamsters are all dead. Make it idiot-proof and someone will make a better idiot. I learned long ago, never to wrestle with a pig, you get dirty; and besides, the pig likes it.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Unknown, likely from a satirical work by George Bernard Shaw
Complex systems fail when over‑engineered; trying to simplify can create new problems
In simple terms: Over‑engineering leads to failure
Key Takeaway
Beware of over‑complicating solutions
Themes
complexity
failure
humor
Mood
cautionary
wry
Type
satirical
advice
When to use this quote
- Project management
- software development
- policy making
- team leadership
Key Concepts
Systems design
human error
unintended consequences
Questions to Reflect On
- When is complexity necessary?
- How can you test for unintended side effects?
A Different Perspective
It may underestimate the value of simplicity in some contexts
