Adding a column of figures is a repetitive thought process, and it was long ago properly relegated to the machine. True, the machine is sometimes controlled by the keyboard, and thought of a sort enters in reading the figures and poking the corresponding keys, but even this is avoidable.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker argues that repetitive tasks like adding figures should be automated to free up human effort.
- In plain terms
- Repetitive tasks should be done by machines.
- What can you take from it?
- Automation improves efficiency for routine mental work.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What tasks should be automated?
- How do you define routine work?
Another view
Some repetitive tasks may still require human oversight.
More from Vannevar Bush
Much needs to occur, however, between the collection of data and observations, the extraction of parallel material from the existing record, and the final inse…
Permalink to quote #15 The advanced arithmetical machines of the future will be electrical in nature, and they will perform at 100 times present speeds, or more. Moreover, they will …
Permalink to quote #17 To make the record, we now push a pencil or tap a typewriter. Then comes the process of digestion and correction, followed by an intricate process of typesetti…
Permalink to quote #14
Related quotes
Go to work on an egg.
Fay WeldonFay Weldon quote #1 The good thing about reinventing the wheel is that you can get a round one.
Douglas CrockfordDouglas Crockford quote #1 Proper preparation prevents poor performance
Charlie BatchCharlie Batch quote #1