Data Quote by Larry Wall
“Information wants to be useful.”
About This Quote
Source Talk: Conference keynote, 1998
Information seeks to be helpful and functional, not merely existing.
In simple terms: Information wants to be useful.
Key Takeaway
Design systems that serve practical needs.
Themes
technology
usability
purpose
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
technical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- software development
- data analysis
- educational tools
- policy making
Key Concepts
information theory
human‑centred design
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure information remains useful yet ethical?
- What role does user intent play in information design?
A Different Perspective
Utility may conflict with privacy concerns.
![“[Brazil] went to the UN and said, "We need new standards for this." We need to take a look at what they're calling "data sovereignty."” quote by Edward Snowden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/af7/edward-snowden-555_brazil_brazil-went-to-the-un-and-said-we-need-n_14906.jpg)
