Absolutely Quote by Henry Petroski
“The definition of 'safe' is not strictly an engineering term; it's a societal term. Does it mean absolutely no loss of life? Does it mean absolutely no contamination with radiation? What exactly does 'safe' mean?”
About This Quote
Safety is a societal concept, not just an engineering metric, encompassing broader impacts.
In simple terms: Safety means broader societal well‑being.
Key Takeaway
Consider wider implications of safety.
Themes
safety
society
engineering
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
technical
When to use this quote
- product design
- public policy
- environmental protection
Key Concepts
risk assessment
ethical standards
Questions to Reflect On
- What does safety mean to you?
- How do you balance safety with progress?
A Different Perspective
Defining safety can be subjective.
![“Whether or not science can be applied to that mental construct [i.e. the designed entity] is a matter of availability. If there is body of scientific knowledge that can be applied, then it would be foolish not to exploit it. However, if there is none, it does not mean that the thing cannot be…” quote by Henry Petroski](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/17d/henry-petroski-10198_availability_whether-or-not-science-can-be-applied-to_341822.jpg)
