The real accomplishment of modern science and technology consists in taking ordinary men, informing them narrowly and deeply and then, through appropriate organization, arranging to have their knowledge combined with that of other specialized but equally ordinary men. This dispenses with the need for genius. The resulting performance, though less inspiring, is far more predictable.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Modern science and technology combine specialized knowledge from ordinary people to achieve predictable results without needing genius.
- In plain terms
- Science organizes ordinary people's knowledge to work well without geniuses.
- What can you take from it?
- Organization can substitute for individual genius.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can systems replace genius?
- Is predictability more valuable than inspiration?
Another view
It undervalues the role of exceptional insight in breakthroughs.
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