The way to build a complex system that works is to build it from very simple systems that work.
Interpretation
Complex systems can be effectively created by combining simpler, functioning components.
This quote emphasizes the importance of starting with basic elements that are well-understood and effective, as a means to construct more elaborate systems. By focusing on creating simple systems first, we can ensure that each part works independently, which ultimately contributes to the reliability and efficiency of the overall complex system.
In practice
In a tech conference discussion on software engineering, someone might share this quote to emphasize modular programming.
This is actually a very important principle that science is learning about large systems like evolution and that futurists are learning about anticipating human society: just because a future scenario is plausible doesn't mean we can get there from here.
Humans are the reproductive organs of technology.
Social media has taken over in America to such an extreme that to get my own kids to look back a week in their history is a miracle, let alone 100 years.
People have long feared that mechanization might cause mass unemployment. This never happened because, as old professions became obsolete, new professions evolved, and there was always something humans could do better than machines. Yet this is not a law of nature, and nothing guarantees it will continue to be like that in the future.
In a time not distant, it will be possible to flash any image formed in thought on a screen and render it visible at any place desired. The perfection of this means of reading thought will create a revolution for the better in all our social relations.
Mr Edison gave America just what was needed at that moment in history. They say that when people think of me, they think of my assembly line. Mr. Edison, you built an assembly line which brought together the genius of invention, science and industry.
With the cloud, you don't own anything. You already signed it away.
In technology, we spend so much time experimenting, fine-tuning, getting the absolute cheapest way to do something - so why aren't we doing that with social policy?
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