Tuesday, 30 December 2014

Tolerances and complex problems

One of my favourite quotations gets a regular airing . . .  indeed much more regular than my blog posts have been recently.

"For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong."

Almost everyone laughs at that.  It sounds both incisive and frivolous at the same time.  I expect most people then dismiss it from their minds and would probably be delighted if they hear it again in a year or two without getting any more wisdom from it.

For me, after enjoying it and regularly using it while reviewing technical designs in a complex engineering environment it has taken on a extra layer of meaning.  It should be the motto of all practical engineers.  What most people don't realise is that the art of engineering is to make things that might be a little bit wrong but to ensure that they are right enough to function correctly.

Engineers call this 'tolerancing'.  Proper choice of tolerances in any design is the art of balancing performance against cost.  If you get the design too right you might not be able to afford to build it, or might not have enough time.

This is well illustrated by the old story about how to tell the difference between a scientist and an engineer. 

Stand them in opposing corners of a room, with an attractive member of the opposite sex naked (and presumably rather tolerant and open-minded) in the middle.  Tell them to approach that person by successively halving the distance between themselves and the object of their desire. Then wait.

The first one to leave the room will be the scientist, who has worked out that, in this way, you will never really get there. The engineer, however, has figured out that you will get close enough - for all practical purposes.

51 comments:

Dobbin said...

Good to see the blog back, it's been too long!

Unknown said...

Doesn't matter whether you're an atheist, God'll still Divinely Judge you. You should've learned, brudda, instead of puttn yourself inside your own, lil world which you couldn't remove yourself from cuzza fundamentalist idealogy.

God gives U.S. free-will in our finite existence, thus, what we mortals do with it determines our destiny. Think about that.

God bless you

Unknown said...

Doesn't matter whether you're an atheist, God'll still Divinely Judge you. You should've learned, brudda, instead of puttn yourself inside your own, lil world which you couldn't remove yourself from cuzza fundamentalist idealogy.

God gives U.S. free-will in our finite existence, thus, what we mortals do with it determines our destiny. Think about that.

God bless you

Anonymous said...

Satta Matka - SattaMatkaG.com

Satta Matka | satta matka result - SattaMatkaG.in


Satta Matka | satta matka result - SattaMatkaG.com

Unknown said...

main Phir Bhi Tumko Chahunga Arijit Singh Lyrics
happy Mother's day 2017
Mother day Quotes
Mothers day poems
mothers day messages

Anonymous said...

Best Gadgets Online deals offers Gadgets review

Anonymous said...

20 New Whatsapp Tricks you shoul know

Satta King said...

Black Satta King

Shri Ganesh Satta King

vk bahadur said...

This is my first time visit to your blog and I am very interested in the articles that you serve. Provide enough knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful and don't forget, keep sharing useful info..

satta king

Play bazaar said...

Fasaana Afsaana Sunaati Ho
Dil Ke Paas Hoon Kah Kar Dil Jalati Ho
Beqaraar Hai Aatish E Nazar Se Milne Ko, play bazaar satta king

Play Bazaar said...

Use social media to build relationships. By having an account on the social media sites, you are able to reach recruits and customers almost instantaneously. You can talk to them about business or you can talk about common interests. Remember, building a relationship is the best way for your business to grow.Play Bazaar Techniques To Help You Market Through Facebook Satta King

NIKE said...

Best work in the world good work play market and Satta King Good Games.play bazaar satta king

Play Bazaar said...

Make sure your review speaks to everybody. Some readers want general information about the product, while some are looking for a very specific feature. Organize your review so that technical details are easy to find. Start off with a very general introduction that explains what the product does and then progress towards the details. Play Bazaar Want To Start Internet Marketing? Try Using These Tips! Satta King

Play Bazaar said...

Create a blog and offer an RSS feed. Blogging is an effective way to market your business and you can quickly and easily add new content without having to learn any HTML. An RSS feeds allows you to syndicate your content to other websites so that you can increase your business's exposure. Play Bazaar Want To Start Internet Marketing? Try Using These Tips! Satta King

prince said...

Zindagi Udaas Waqt Udaas Mousam
Kitni Cheezon Par ILzaam Lag Jaata Hai Ek Tumhare play bazaar satta king

Play Bazaar said...

Try posting on some free ad spaces on various sites throughout the internet. You can try free classified sites, free link sites, news sites with free ads, free yellow pages and other types of sites that offer free advertising. Just make yourself aware of all the rules associated with submitting ads before submitting yours, just in case you have to restructure your ads. Play Bazaar Want To Start Internet Marketing? Try Using These Tips! Satta King

Unknown said...

Dar Bhool Gaye….Sheesh Mahal Ne Aisa GheraMitti play bazaar satta king Ki Ghar Bhool GayeUski Galiyoon Se Jab LauteApna Bhi Ghar Bhool Gaye`Iss shaam ko hum nahin bhole gaye aur na hi aapko,kyun ki sham bhi saat chor deygi aur aap bhi…..`Kisse Se Mange Dawa Zakhmon KiSabhi Ne Chotein Khaain HaiKisi Ka Sanam Bewafa Hai ToKisi Ka Sajan Harzaai Hai`Apne Dil Mein Tumhare Pyar Ki Dastaan Likhi HaiNa Thodi Na Bahut Tamaam Likhi HaiKabhi Humaare Liye Bhi Dua Kar Liya KaroKyon Ki Humne Apni Har Ik Saans Tumhare Naam Likhi Hai`Kaghaz pe hum ne zindagi likh di,Ankhon se seench kar apni har khushi likh di,play bazaar satta king

prince said...

Reaching out to 'influencers' online is an incredible marketing technique. 'Influencers' are people whose messages reach a large number of people. They typically contribute to a blog frequently and tend to be involved in many online communities. You can have access to this large number of people and instigate them to action through an 'influencer' if you can make friends with them, and present your product in a positive light. Play Bazaar Want To Start Internet Marketing? Try Using These Tips! Satta King

playbazaar said...

play bazaar satta king this is a most earning site.

playbazaar said...

Nice work .play bazaar satta king

Unknown said...

Do not forget to post a link to your website or blog on your social network profiles. If someone hears about your products on a social network, they will need to have access to more information and see what you use as a storefront before they can decide to buy anything. Satta King Internet Marketing Tips That Are Easy To Follow Play Bazaar

Unknown said...

Current events can shape what you should be selling on your website, so read the news! If a new iPhone is coming out, then it's time to remove the accessories for the last model from your website and add those for the new model. When the Japanese nuclear plant was flooded, radiation tests and iodine sales went through the roof! Make sure you're on top of all the latest sales trends to increase your profits. Play Bazaar Get More Traffic And Earn More From Your Website Satta King

Play bazaar said...

It really pays to continue your education, so constantly be on the lookout for additional great tips likes ones you read here. play bazaar satta king

Play Bazaar city said...

People will often stay depressed because it's comfortable. Attempting to fix your problems may be temporarily uncomfortable but it can lift you out of your play bazaar satta king depression.

Sattakingin said...

These remedies come in various forms ranging from pills to nasal sprays.play bazaar satta king

LARA said...

If you have a lot to say and you think others will like reading it, you should think about starting a blog. Having ads placed on your blog can earn you a decent amount of residual income each month. BLACK SATTA KING SATTA KING SATTAKING black satta king sattadon0001 satta king Once Again Thank You Sir.

Play Bazaar said...

You should start a group page for your company. This should be a place for customers to get answers to their questions as well as chat among themselves. You can inform group members of special discounts and offer them all types of useful information. Another benefit of the group is finding out all about your customers feelings and needs. Play Bazaar Expert Advice To Improve Your Facebook Marketing Satta King

Play Bazaar said...

Create an environment where everyone's point of view can be heard. Dissenting opinions and debate can lead to more creative solutions. In an environment where people are afraid to disagree, the status quo will stand. Have weekly meetings where you actually stimulate debate about specific aspects of your business and listen to every opinion and suggestion. Satta King Top Leadership Tips To Take Charge Of Your Business Satta Bazaar When blogging for your business on a social media website Play Bazaar

Play Bazaar said...

Being a leader can seem like an enviable role - all eyes are on you and you'll have a fair amount of power and prestige. But in the same vein, you'll have a tremendous amount of responsibility and will need to be accountable when things don't go well. Is this truly the role you want? The first step of being a leader is to think deeply about if this is the role you want to play. Satta King Top Leadership Tips To Take Charge Of Your Business Satta Bazaar When blogging for your business on a social media website Play Bazaar

Satta King said...

An important tip regarding Internet marketing is to be sure that you include an option on your site for people to submit comments or suggestions. This is important because not only does it give you the advantage of having free feedback and suggestions, but it also allows your visitors to feel as though they have some control in their experience. Play Bazaar Want To Start Internet Marketing? Try Using These Tips! Satta King

Satta King said...

Use a program that will track the top keywords that your customers are using, in order to find your products. Once you have that information, you can find the top ranking sites for those keywords and if your company is not one of them, then come up with a plan to change that. Play Bazaar Want To Start Internet Marketing? Try Using These Tips! Satta King

Satta King said...

So you see that blogging is indeed a skill, but one that can be learned by anyone with a sincere desire to establish a solid relationship with those who visit their website. Just because your customers are not ones that you meet face-to-face, does not mean that the personal element should be disregarded. Enact the techniques learned here to be a better blogger and a valued supplier for your clients. Satta King Here Of Some Secret Tips Right From The Blogging Masters! Play Bazaar

Satta King said...

Become A Blogging Wiz With These Pointers Satta King Here Of Some Secret Tips Right From The Blogging Masters! Play Bazaar

Satta King said...

Powerful leaders are humble people that instill the right values in others and teach the right knowledge. In order to be a successful leader, you need to remember what has been described to you here. You can provide inspiration and truth to people and help give them direction that they need. Satta King Great Tips For Boosting Your Internet Marketing Success Satta King

Satta King said...

Becoming A Better Leader At The Workplace Satta King Great Tips For Boosting Your Internet Marketing Success Satta King

Play bazaar Games said...

Network marketing can be a lot of work for very little payout unless you match up the benefits of what you offer to the specific customers who need that benefit. All the advertising in the world will not produce results unless you are targeting the right audience. Think about which customers will benefit from your product or services. Then work to provide that specifically for those customers. Satta King Looking To Quit Smoking? Start Here With These Excellent Suggestions!Play Bazaar

Play bazaar Games said...

You can put an end to the lack of business that you may be going through, or you may just want more business. Whatever your issue is, network marketing can give you the results you are looking for. You now know what you need to about network marketing, so put it to use! Satta King Looking To Quit Smoking? Start Here With These Excellent Suggestions!Play Bazaar

Unknown said...

Open up your business to the world. There are events such as Doors Open at which businesses allow customers to come in and see how they work. Even if you're an architect or real estate agent, you can let potential customers in to see how organized and authentic you really are, which can generate leads. Satta King Great Solutions For Network Marketing That Anyone Can Follow Play Bazaar

Unknown said...

Set time every week to follow up with potential leads. It usually takes more than one touch point to turn a potential qualified lead into a real hot lead. SO after you've made first contact, set time a week or two later to touch base again. It's about frequency here to make this person into a customer. Satta King Great Solutions For Network Marketing That Anyone Can Follow Play Bazaar

Play Bazaar said...

Make sure that your video marketing is high energy. It can be very hard to keep people's attention these days and a high energy video is your best bet in accomplishing this. You could take some time to view the videos of others to better understand the level of energy that you are looking for. Satta King Looking To Quit Smoking? Start Here With These Excellent Suggestions!Play Bazaar

Play Bazaar said...

Use colors that are appealing. This is true for the set, clothing and make up. Some colors are just not attractive and can easily turn people off to your video. Primary colors are classic and appealing to most people. On the other hand neon colors can turn a lot of people away. Satta King Looking To Quit Smoking? Start Here With These Excellent Suggestions!Play Bazaar

Satta King said...

While training hard to build muscle, make sure to consume plenty of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide your body with the glucose that it needs for energy. When you're working hard you need energy to survive. Failure to consume enough carbohydrates can result in your body breaking down muscle to provide it with the protein and carbohydrates that it needs to survive. Play Bazaar Fun Ways To Care For Your CanineSatta King

Play Bazaar said...

In order to make money online, you'll have to be organized. You should create a schedule and stick to it strictly. Don't let distractions take you away from your job. At the same time, pencil in some time to spend with family and friends. The more dedicated you are, the better. Satta King Making Money Online Is Much Easier Than You Think Play Bazaar

Delhi Satta said...

Don't forget that it's important to go local. Local revenue can actually be stronger than internet if you are marketing a product that you sell offline as well. Check out your local phone book companies and directories, and get yourself listed. Some of these will even allow you to post a bigger advertisement for a small fee. Satta King Want To Start Internet Marketing? Try Using These Tips! Play Bazaar

Play Bazaar said...

A great tip for Internet marketing is to make your web site more user friendly. With a more user friendly web site, users will feel more comfortable visiting and navigating your site. There are a lot of scams online so you want to do everything you can to make your visitors feel safe. Satta King The Internet Marketing Revolution And How To Get Involved Play Bazaar

Play Bazaar said...

Build your website around your primary niche. It is very important to focus on what your company does the best, to define your brand and clarify what you are offering to your customers. This will allow you to expand on your idea once you attract a client onto your site. Satta King The Internet Marketing Revolution And How To Get Involved Play Bazaar

Rahul Saha said...

Nice Post, The Content is good and informatics.
Weight loss doctor Meerut
Desawar Satta Record
Delhi Satta Bazar
Meerut Boy
High PR Bookmarking Site
Meerut News Updates
Website Developers Meerut

Guru Satta King said...

Gorgeous!!!!Looks so good on your nails!!!!I wish I could see this beauty on my nails someday....

Read More:- Sattaking

toptoptoto365pro said...

토토
스포츠토토


Hi ! I would simply like to offer you a great thumbs
up for your great information you have
here on this post. I will be going back to your website for
more information soon.

toptoptoto365pro said...


스포츠중계
토토사이트
토토

The information is very special, I will have to follow you, the information you bring is very real, reflecting correctly and objectively, it is very useful for society to grow together.

toptoptoto365pro said...


토토사이트
토토



I like this post, enjoyed this one thanks for posting. « Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee and just as hard to sleep after