--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: RAND scientists tried to tell their wives…" description: "\"“RAND scientists tried to tell their wives that the decision whether to buy or not to buy a washing machine was an 'optimization problem'.”\" — Sylvia N..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e2c/sylvia-nasar-29953_computers_rand-scientists-tried-to-tell-their-wive_2620093.jpg" --- # RAND scientists tried to tell their wives that the… ![“RAND scientists tried to tell their wives that the decision whether to buy or not to buy a washing machine was an 'optimization problem'.” quote by Sylvia Nasar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e2c/sylvia-nasar-29953_computers_rand-scientists-tried-to-tell-their-wive_2620093.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e2c/sylvia-nasar-29953_computers_rand-scientists-tried-to-tell-their-wive_2620093.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e2c/sylvia-nasar-29953_computers_rand-scientists-tried-to-tell-their-wive_2620093.jpg) > ““RAND scientists tried to tell their wives that the decision whether to buy or not to buy a washing machine was an 'optimization problem'.”” [Sylvia Nasar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sylvia-nasar/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. She humorously highlights how technical language can alienate everyday people, using a washing‑machine purchase as an example. **In simple terms:** Scientists called buying a washing machine an optimization problem. Key Takeaway Simplify technical jargon for broader understanding. Themes communication technology economics education accessibility Mood informative witty Type journalistic educational When to use this quote - marketing - product design - financial planning - public policy Key Concepts optimization decision making consumer behavior technical literacy Questions to Reflect On - How does jargon affect your choices? - When should experts simplify language? A Different Perspective Technical terms can obscure practical decisions. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Computers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/computers/) [Machine Optimization](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/machine-optimization-2102348/) [Mathematicians](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mathematicians/) [Optimization](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/optimization/) [Optimization Problem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/optimization-problem-2102350/) [Rand Scientists](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rand-scientists-2102347/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) [Washing machine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/washing-machine/) [Wives Decision](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wives-decision-2102349/) ## Related quotes > [Simplification seems to be the removal of objects for the goal of making a graphic as clean and uncluttered as possible. 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Simplicity does not precede complexity, but follows it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-perlis/optimization-hinders-evolution-everything-should-be-built-top-down/) [Alan Perlis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-perlis/) > [Sub-optimization is when everyone is for himself. Optimization is when everyone is working to help the company.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/w-edwards-deming/sub-optimization-is-when-everyone-is-for-himself-optimization-is-when/) [W. 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You scared?' 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