Broken Quote by William S. Burroughs
“If the soft machine works, don't fix it. If it works, don't fix it.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Naked Lunch, 1959
If something works, avoid unnecessary changes; over‑engineering can cause harm.
In simple terms: Don't fix what works.
Key Takeaway
Preserve effective systems; avoid needless tinkering.
Themes
efficiency
simplicity
maintenance
Mood
cautious
pragmatic
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- software updates
- process improvement
- product design
Key Concepts
systems theory
lean thinking
risk management
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it worth improving a working system?
- How do you balance innovation with stability?
A Different Perspective
Changes may introduce new problems.
