Source: Designing complex organizations, 1973, p. 12
Related quotes

“Please give a detailed account as to how I can best serve humanity”
Many Mansions Chapter 20 - A Philosophy of Vocational Choice
On Vocational Choices
Context: In those ways that open to you day by day. It isn't always the individual that plans to accomplish some great deed that does the most. It is the one who meets the opportunities and privileges which are accorded it day by day. As such opportunities are used, there are better ways opened. For what we use in the way of helpfulness to others, increases in itself. Begin with what you are!
“There is simply too much known to continue the older approach of giving detailed results.”
Methods of Mathematics Applied to Calculus, Probability, and Statistics (1985)
Context: We intend to teach the doing of mathematics. The applications of these methods produce the results of mathematics (which usually is only what is taught)... There is also a deliberate policy to force you to think abstractly... it is only through abstraction that any reasonable amount of useful mathematics can be covered. There is simply too much known to continue the older approach of giving detailed results.

2011, Remarks on death of Osama bin Laden (May 2011)
Context: Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who’ve worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome. The American people do not see their work, nor know their names. But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice.
We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country.
“The details are not the details. These make the design.”
Attributed to Charles Eames in: Garrett, Jesse James. "The Elements of User Experience." Diagram retrieved January (2004).
Alternative: The details are not the details. The details make the product.

“Details make perfection, and perfection is not a detail.”

Excerpts from 2021 keynote speech on formation of 'Armenia' alliance