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About this quote

What does it mean?
Mechanization tends to favor average performance rather than excellence.
In plain terms
Automation often supports mediocrity.
What can you take from it?
Beware that technology can lower standards.

Where it applies

  • industrial design
  • software development

Putting it to work

  • evaluate impact of tools
  • set higher standards

Questions to consider

  • Does technology inherently limit excellence?
  • How can we ensure tools raise standards?

Another view

Automation can also enable high performance when guided properly.

More from Frank Lloyd Wright

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  2. Move the table.

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  3. Life always rides in strength to victory, not through internationalism: but only through the direct responsibility of the individual.

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