Bent Quote by Lawrence Hargrave
“Bent metal is worse than bent wood and weight for weight is more flexible.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: On the Strength of Materials, 1900
Rigid metal breaks more easily than flexible wood; flexibility distributes stress better.
In simple terms: Flexibility beats rigidity under stress.
Key Takeaway
Choose adaptable solutions.
Themes
engineering
materials science
design
flexibility
Mood
analytical
practical
Type
technical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- building bridges
- product design
- architecture
- manufacturing
Key Concepts
mechanics
structural integrity
innovation
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you prioritize rigidity over flexibility?
- How can you design for both strength and adaptability?
A Different Perspective
Flexibility may reduce strength in some contexts; balance is needed.
![“The people of Sydney who can speak of my work [on flying-machine models] without a smile are very scarce; it is doubtless the same with American workers. I know that success is dead sure to come, and therefore do not waste time and words in trying to convince unbelievers.” quote by Lawrence Hargrave](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ee8/lawrence-hargrave-31692_american-workers_the-people-of-sydney-who-can-speak-of-my_1179795.jpg)
