Topic 11
Reversibility

Nothing is more dangerous than an idea if it's the only one you have.

Emil-Auguste Chartier (Alain), Propos sur la religion, 1938

Engineers prefer simple, singular solutions to problems. Math tests that allow you to proclaim with great confidence that x equals 2 are much more comfortable than fuzzy, warm essays about the myriad causes of the French Revolution. Management tends to agree with the engineers: singular, easy answers fit nicely on spreadsheets and project plans.

If only the real world would cooperate! Unfortunately, while is today, it may need to be tomorrow, and next week. Nothing is forever—and if you rely heavily ...

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