English - Mathematician | December 26, 1791 - October 18, 1871
Errors using inadequate data are much less than those using no data at all.
Charles Babbage
DataInadequateErrorsThanMuch
The half minute which we daily devote to the winding-up of our watches is an exertion of labour almost insensible; yet, by the aid of a few wheels, its effect is spread over the whole twenty-four hours.
DailyWatchesOverWheelsSpread
On two occasions I have been asked, 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?' I am not able rightly to apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question.
I AmIdeasYouWrongKindWill
The economy of human time is the next advantage of machinery in manufactures.
TimeHumanEconomyNextAdvantage
In turning from the smaller instruments in frequent use to the larger and more important machines, the economy arising from the increase of velocity becomes more striking.
ImportantMoreEconomyMachinesUse
It is therefore not unreasonable to suppose that some portion of the neglect of science in England, may be attributed to the system of education we pursue.
EducationScienceSystemPursueMay
Perhaps it would be better for science, that all criticism should be avowed.
ScienceCriticismBetterWould
Whenever the work is itself light, it becomes necessary, in order to economize time, to increase the velocity.
WorkTimeLightOrderNecessary
At each increase of knowledge, as well as on the contrivance of every new tool, human labour becomes abridged.
KnowledgeNewHumanToolWellEvery
That the state of knowledge in any country will exert a directive influence on the general system of instruction adopted in it, is a principle too obvious to require investigation.
KnowledgeInfluenceCountryWill
There is, however, another purpose to which academies contribute. When they consist of a limited number of persons, eminent for their knowledge, it becomes an object of ambition to be admitted on their list.
KnowledgePurposeAmbitionObject
There are few circumstances which so strongly distinguish the philosopher, as the calmness with which he can reply to criticisms he may think undeservedly severe.
ThinkCircumstancesReplyMayHe
Copyright © 2024 QuotesDict Charles Babbage quotes