Skip to content
quotesby

Inanimate objects can be classified scientifically into three major categories: those that don't work, those that break down and those that get lost. The goal of all inanimate objects is to resist man and ultimately to defeat him, and the three major classifications are based on the method each object uses to achieve its purpose. As a general rule, any object capable of breaking down at the moment when it is most needed will do so.

Russell Baker#5

LifeFailureFrustrationObjectsTechnology

About this quote

What does it mean?
Objects seem to conspire against humans by failing at critical moments.
In plain terms
Things break or get lost when you need them most.
What can you take from it?
Inanimate objects often fail during critical usage.

Where it applies

  • maintenance
  • technology use
  • daily life

Putting it to work

  • preparing backups
  • maintaining equipment
  • expecting failure

Questions to consider

  • What always breaks when you need it?
  • How do you plan for failure?

Another view

Objects do not have intent to defeat humans.

More from Russell Baker

  1. It seems to be a law of American life that whatever enriches us anywhere except in the wallet inevitably becomes uneconomic.

    Permalink to quote #4
  2. Usually, terrible things that are done with the excuse that progress requires them are not really progress at all, but just terrible things.

    Permalink to quote #6
  3. People seem to enjoy things more when they know a lot of other people have been left out of the pleasure.

    Permalink to quote #3

Related quotes

  1. Buying the right computer and getting it to work properly is no more complicated than building a nuclear reactor from wristwatch parts in a darkened room using…

    Dave BarryDave Barry quote #1
  2. The electric things have their life too. Paltry as those lives are.

    Philip Kindred DickPhilip Kindred Dick quote #34
  3. The day of the android has dawned.

    Brian AldissBrian Aldiss quote #1