Avoid Quote by Ken Thompson
“We tried to avoid, you know, records. We were told over and over that was probably the most serious mistake and the reason was the system would never catch on, because we didn't have records.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Unix pioneers, 1975
The speaker warns that avoiding record‑keeping hindered the system’s adoption, implying that documentation is crucial for technology to spread.
In simple terms: Skipping records hurt the system’s success.
Key Takeaway
Document your work to ensure adoption.
Themes
technology
documentation
adoption
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
practical
advisory
When to use this quote
- software development
- project management
- open source communities
Key Concepts
record‑keeping
system design
learning curves
Questions to Reflect On
- What balance should be struck between speed and documentation?
- How can teams keep records without slowing progress?
A Different Perspective
Too much focus on records can stifle rapid innovation.
