
“I've always found that the root of a computer problem is human frailty”
Source: River of Gods (2006), Ch. 2 (p. 27).
The Humane Interface (2001)
“I've always found that the root of a computer problem is human frailty”
Source: River of Gods (2006), Ch. 2 (p. 27).
From 1980s onwards, Critical Path (1981)
Draft for a Statement of Human Obligation (1943), Statement Of Obligations
Context: The needs of a human being are sacred. Their satisfaction cannot be subordinated either to reasons of state, or to any consideration of money, nationality, race, or colour, or to the moral or other value attributed to the human being in question, or to any consideration whatsoever.
There is no legitimate limit to the satisfaction of the needs of a human being except as imposed by necessity and by the needs of other human beings. The limit is only legitimate if the needs of all human beings receive an equal degree of attention.
International Herald Tribune (21 February 1990)
“The bow cannot always stand bent, nor can human frailty subsist without some lawful recreation.”
Source: Don Quixote de la Mancha (1605–1615), Part I, Book IV, Ch. 21.
Source: My Share Of The Task (2013), p. 393-394
Context: All leaders are human. They get tired, angry, and jealous and carry the same range of emotions and frailties common to mankind. Most leaders periodically display them. The leaders I most admired were totally human but constantly strove to be the best humans they could be. Leaders make mistakes, and they are often costly. The first reflex is normally to deny the failure to themselves; the second is to hide it from others, because most leaders covet a reputation for infallibility. But it's a fool's dream and inherently dishonest. There are few secrets to leadership. It is mostly just hard work. More than anything else it requires self-discipline. Colorful, charismatic characters often fascinate people, even soldiers. But over time, effectiveness is what counts. Those who lead most successfully do so while looking out for their followers' welfare.