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About this quote

What does it mean?
Practicality trumps novelty; wheels are round because they work, not because they are trendy.
In plain terms
Round wheels work better; do not reinvent them just to be new.
What can you take from it?
Use proven solutions instead of chasing novelty.

Where it applies

  • technical debates
  • product decisions
  • design reviews

Putting it to work

  • stick to proven standards
  • avoid reinvention

Questions to consider

  • When is novelty useful?
  • How do you know if a solution is proven?

Another view

Sometimes reinvention is necessary to improve on the status quo.

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