Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
He points out that there can be many correct, right, and obvious solutions to a problem.
In plain terms
Multiple solutions can be valid and obvious at once.
What can you take from it?
Don’t assume a single answer is best.

Where it applies

  • designing algorithms
  • team brainstorming

Putting it to work

  • evaluate alternatives
  • encourage diverse ideas

Questions to consider

  • When should you narrow choices?
  • How to decide among many correct options?

Another view

Having many options can lead to analysis paralysis.

More from Larry Wall

  1. : I could understand principles of Perl source in 2-3 days [. . .] Gee, it took me about eleven years. :-)

    Permalink to quote #193
  2. I don't believe I've ever cuddled my elses.

    Permalink to quote #195
  3. print rand rand rand 1, ' '; # interesting distribution

    Permalink to quote #192

Related quotes

  1. You can never discard too many bad ideas.

    Ashleigh BrilliantAshleigh Brilliant quote #144
  2. A solved problem creates two new problems, and the best prescription for happy living is not to solve any more problems than you have to.

    Russell BakerRussell Baker quote #1
  3. I was approached to do a film script for the Beatles. I said it would have to be an absolutely original script. Paul McCartney said do whatever you like. I sai…

    Joe OrtonJoe Orton quote #1