Axioms
Ron Graham
with Mati Meron
Axioms, commonly-used sayings that may in some contexts be considered wise, are valid by definition for some logical construct for which they're defined. On the other hand, when applied to something outside that construct, like, say, the real world, axioms may or may not be accurate models. That doesn't mean they contradict themselves -- only that they have limited validity.

Here is a selection of axioms pulled from the engineering newsgroups.

Learning

  • Never stop learning.
  • Listen to the voice of experience.
  • Learn to ask the right questions. Then ask them.
  • Everyone knows something you don't.
  • Know where the wizards are.
  • Know where the book is.
  • Know how to use the book.
  • Learn the steps in production.
  • Get all the experience you can.
  • The "Gannon Rule" -- when you think you know all the answers, they change the questions

Problem-solving

  • There isn't any one "right" answer.
  • Make sure YOUR answer is one of them.
  • A good answer now beats a better answer later.
  • Verify calculations with experiment.
  • Always do sanity checks.
  • Sweat the details.
  • Choose "fundamentals" over "engineering judgment."
  • Go easy on the significant figures.
  • Understand the necessity of compromise.
  • Know possible causes of variation from what you expect.

Implementation

  • Make sure the tolerance fits the need.
  • Remember that someone will USE or RUN what you design.
  • The simplest design that meets requirements is the best design. (Occam's Razor)
  • Idiots are better at bypassing safety guards than you are.
  • Don't forget your hardhat, safety glasses and steel-toes.
  • Not everything worth doing is worth doing well. Do it well enough, then ship it.
  • The Law of Vain Repetition: there's never time to do it right; there's always time to do it over.

Paradigms

  • Reality isn't ideal:

    • It's nonlinear.
    • It's noisy.
    • It's hard to get at.
    • It's outdated.
    • It never works the way it should.

  • When in doubt, buy it off the shelf.
  • Think "systems" over "components."
  • Don't forget "people."

Business

  • Communicate well.
  • Good management is more valuable than latinum.
  • Play politics as needed.
  • Know how to plan a project.
  • A business must make a profit.
  • Watch the over-runs.
  • Know your organization.
  • Be able to define "quality."
  • Get a VISION.
  • Get to the POINT already!
  • The Law of Cancellation of Rewards: 10 AB = 1 AS, where AB = "attaboys" and AS = "aw, shit"
  • Draw self-esteem from yourself -- others may not help.
[Table of Contents] [Previous] [Next]