ByQuotes

Norman Ralph Augustine Quotes

Powerful Norman Ralph Augustine for Daily Growth

About Norman Ralph Augustine

Norman Ralph Augustine (1935-2018) was an American engineer, executive, and science policy advisor whose groundbreaking work in the field of aerospace engineering left a lasting impact on both industry and academia. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 7, 1935, Augustine grew up with a passion for mathematics and physics that would eventually lead him to become one of the most influential figures in modern technology. After completing his undergraduate studies at Swarthmore College, Augustine earned a Ph.D. in applied mathematics from Princeton University. Throughout his career, he held various roles in academia, including professorships at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). However, it was his work in the private sector that truly set him apart. In 1958, Augustine joined Bell Laboratories, where he made significant contributions to information theory and communication systems. In 1972, he moved to General Electric (GE) as a senior scientist and eventually rose through the ranks to become chairman and CEO in 1986. During his tenure at GE, Augustine oversaw numerous groundbreaking projects, including the development of the advanced passenger train known as the Metroliner. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Augustine was deeply committed to public service. He served as undersecretary of the Army and chairman of the National Commission on the Public Service from 1984 to 1985. In these roles, he advocated for increased investment in education and research, arguing that a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) was essential for America's economic prosperity. Throughout his life, Augustine authored several influential books on technology, leadership, and public policy. Some of his most notable works include "Innovation and Entrepreneruship: The role of government" (1984), "Augustine's Laws" (1996), and "The Defense Revolution" (2001). In these books, Augustine shared insights from his extensive experience in the realm of technology and leadership, offering valuable guidance for policymakers, executives, and aspiring engineers. Augustine passed away on October 5, 2018, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists, engineers, and leaders who strive to make meaningful contributions to their fields and the world at large.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Anyone who remembers the past may plan for the future."

This quote emphasizes the importance of learning from history to prepare for the future. By remembering and understanding past events, individuals and societies can make informed decisions about their future actions and strategies. In other words, knowledge of the past allows us to predict potential challenges, identify opportunities, and make wiser choices that lead to more successful outcomes in the future.

"Technology is a gift of God. After the gift of life, it is perhaps the greatest treasure we have."

This quote emphasizes that technology, like life itself, is a divine gift to humanity. It signifies the profound impact and importance technology has in our daily lives and society as a whole, second only to the fundamental gift of life. It highlights technology's potential to enrich and empower our existence by facilitating innovation, communication, knowledge, and solutions that help us surmount challenges and improve the human condition.

"The first principle is that you must not fool yourself, and you are the easiest person to fool."

This quote emphasizes the importance of self-honesty and critical thinking in our lives. It suggests that one should be vigilant against personal biases and illusions, as it's easy for individuals to deceive themselves. By acknowledging and overcoming self-deception, we can make more informed decisions and achieve greater success in our pursuits.

"I'm not a very good writer, but I can edit."

This quote suggests that while the speaker may not be particularly skilled at creating original work (writing), they possess a strong ability to refine or improve existing work (editing). It highlights their humility about their creative abilities and confidence in their critical thinking skills for improving written content.

"There is no limit to what a man can do, or how far he can go, if he doesn't mind who gets the credit."

This quote emphasizes the idea that one should not be constrained by personal recognition or accolades when pursuing their goals and aspirations. Instead, it encourages individuals to focus on achieving what they can, without worrying about who receives credit for their efforts. The message is that selfless dedication to a task or goal can lead to significant progress and success, regardless of who ultimately gets acknowledged for it.

Motivation will almost always beat mere talent.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Motivational, Will, Always, Beat

All too many consultants, when asked, 'What is 2 and 2?' respond, 'What do you have in mind?'

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Mind, Consultants, Too, Asked

The weaker the data available upon which to base one's conclusion, the greater the precision which should be quoted in order to give the data authenticity.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Data, Give, Which, Weaker

The early bird gets the worm. The early worm... gets eaten.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Bird, Early Bird, Worm, Eaten

One of the most feared expressions in modern times is 'The computer is down.'

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Computers, Most, Times, Expressions

Rank does not intimidate hardware. Neither does the lack of rank.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Rank, Does, Neither, Intimidate

Fools rush in where incumbents fear to tread.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Fools, Where, Rush, Tread

Two-thirds of the Earth's surface is covered with water. The other third is covered with auditors from headquarters.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Surface, Other, Two-Thirds, Headquarters

Bulls do not win bull fights. People do.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Sports, Win, Fights, Bulls

It is very expensive to achieve high unreliability. It is not uncommon to increase the cost of an item by a factor of ten for each factor of ten degradation accomplished.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Cost, Very, Item, Factor

Most projects start out slowly - and then sort of taper off.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Start, Most, Projects, Taper

There are many highly successful businesses in the United States. There are also many highly paid executives. The policy is not to intermingle the two.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

United States, Executives, Businesses

Decreased business base increases overhead. So does increased business base.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Increases, Increased, Base

Any task can be completed in only one-third more time than is currently estimated.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Task, One-Third, Currently, Completed

A revised schedule is to business what a new season is to an athlete or a new canvas to an artist.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

New, Schedule, Canvas, Season

People working in the private sector should try to save money. There remains the possibility that it may someday be valuable again.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Private, May, Private Sector, Possibility

If the Earth could be made to rotate twice as fast, managers would get twice as much done. If the Earth could be made to rotate twenty times as fast, everyone else would get twice as much done since all the managers would fly off.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Could, Rotate, Everyone Else, Managers

If a sufficient number of management layers are superimposed on top of each other, it can be assured that disaster is not left to chance.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Chance, Other, Each, Assured

Although most products will soon be too costly to purchase, there will be a thriving market in the sale of books on how to fix them.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Will, Purchase, Thriving, Costly

If stock market experts were so expert, they would be buying stock, not selling advice.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Stock Market, Expert, Market, Stock

The more one produces, the less one gets.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

More, Less, Gets, Produces

Regulations grow at the same rate as weeds.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Grow, Same, Rate, Regulations

The optimum committee has no members.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Committee, Optimum, Members

The best way to make a silk purse from a sow's ear is to begin with a silk sow. The same is true of money.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Best, Silk, Best Way, Sow

Simple systems are not feasible because they require infinite testing.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Testing, Infinite, Systems, Feasible

There are no lazy veteran lion hunters.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Lazy, Hunters, Veteran, Lion

Software is like entropy. It is difficult to grasp, weighs nothing, and obeys the second law of thermodynamics; i.e. it always increases.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Law, Software, Always, Entropy

A hungry dog hunts best. A hungrier dog hunts even better.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

Pet, Better, Hungry, Hungrier

By the time of the United States Tricentennial, there will be more government workers than there are workers.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

United States, By The Time, Workers

If you can afford to advertise, you don't need to.

- Norman Ralph Augustine

You, Need, Afford, Advertise

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.