Error Quote by Nick Harkaway
““To recap: it is possible to put decent information into a Government Machine, have ordinary, good people running the thing, and a reasonable system in place, and still get utter idiocy out of the dispenser?" "More than possible. Likely.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Gone-Away World, 2008
Even good systems and people can produce absurd outcomes; complexity breeds error.
In simple terms: Systems can fail despite good intent.
Key Takeaway
Design checks for absurdity.
Themes
technology
bureaucracy
failure
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
observational
cautionary
When to use this quote
- software development
- policy making
- organizational management
Key Concepts
systemic risk
human error
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you detect hidden absurdities?
- What safeguards can prevent them?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on process can mask flaws.
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