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Attention Quote by Jim Butcher

“Mort drove one of those little hybrid cars that, when not running on gasoline, was fueled by idealism. It was made out of crepe paper and duct tape and boasted a computer system that looked like it could have run the NYSE and NORAD, with enough attention left over to play tic-tac-toe. Or possibly…” quote by Jim Butcher
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“Mort drove one of those little hybrid cars that, when not running on gasoline, was fueled by idealism. It was made out of crepe paper and duct tape and boasted a computer system that looked like it could have run the NYSE and NORAD, with enough attention left over to play tic-tac-toe. Or possibly Global Thermonuclear War.”

Jim Butcher

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Dresden Files, 2000s, Urban Fantasy

A hybrid car powered by idealism is fragile, improvised, yet surprisingly capable, highlighting the tension between lofty aspirations and practical limitations.

In simple terms: Idealistic inventions are fragile but can be surprisingly capable.

Key Takeaway

Balance vision with realistic design.

Themes

innovation idealism fragility technology fantasy

Mood

hopeful critical imaginative

Type

inspirational cautionary

When to use this quote

  • personal projects
  • startup prototypes
  • DIY tech
  • environmental design
  • creative problem solving

Key Concepts

Utopianism engineering resourcefulness

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can idealism be grounded in practical engineering?
  • What safeguards prevent overpromising in tech?
A Different Perspective

Idealism alone cannot sustain complex systems without solid foundations.

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