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About this quote

What does it mean?
A satirical comment on American impatience, suggesting they expect instant results from processes that take time.
In plain terms
You cannot speed up natural processes by adding more people.
What can you take from it?
Some things take time regardless of effort.

Where it applies

  • project planning
  • policy making
  • public debate

Putting it to work

  • respect natural timelines

Questions to consider

  • What process do you rush?

Another view

Sometimes adding resources does speed up work.

More from Theodore von Karman

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  2. Scientists study the world as it is; engineers create the world that never has been.

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  3. I came to realize that exaggerated concern about what others are doing can be foolish. It can paralyze effort, and stifle a good idea. One finds that in the hi…

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