2010-02-05

Superiority by Arthur C. Clarke

Superiority is a short hard science fiction story written by Arthur C. Clarke and published in 1951. Although it describes an arms race, I believe it to be very relevant to the modern software engineering world.

Soon after publication 'Superiority' was inserted into the Engineering curriculum of MIT - to warn the graduates that the Better is often the enemy of the Good - and the Best can be the enemy of both, as it is always too late. -- Arthur C. Clarke ([ACC, p. 395]).

Have you ever heard of the better being the enemy of the good (attributed to Voltaire)? Have you ever heard of overengineering?

In the story a captured general reveals the reason for his failure. His army had everything, had technological advantage, financial advantage - and yet lost to a seemingly weaker army. Why? Read this shorty story and find out why - and how surprisingly relevant it is in the software world today.

Read it now or purchase it somewhere on the Internet (I own this edition) or at your favorite book store.

Bibliography:
[ACC] Arthur C. Clarke - The Collected Stories, ISBN 978-1-85798-323-4.

You can help me maintaining this site by buying this item:
The Collected Stories Of Arthur C. Clarke (Gollancz S.F.)

27 comments:

  1. نقدم لكم عمئلنا الكرام افضل شركة تنظيف فى بالطائف شركة تنظيف بالطائف شركة اوبى كلين ان عمليه التنظيف من اهم العوامل والوسائل التى تتطلب عملية شديد من الحرص والجهد والتعب اثناء عملية التنظيف شركة تنظيف منازل بالطائف مع شركة اوبى كلين وداعا تمام للتعب والجهد والمشقهه لان الشركة توفر لك كل انواع والعموال التى تساعدك فى عمليه التنظيف كما ايضا شركة اوبى كلين تمتلك افضل العماله المدربة على اكمل وجهه شركة تنظيف خزانات بالطائف حتى نوفر لك خدمه غير متاحه ال لدى شركة اوبى كلين وداعا للتعب بعد الان مع شركة اوبى كلين توفر لك كل سبل الراحه شركة مكافحة حشرات بالطائف لان الشركه متخصصه فى عملية التنظيف منذ زمن بعيد

    ReplyDelete
  2. The currency of Malta is euro. There are several plural forms of the name 'euro'. These are euro, euros. The symbol used for this currency is €, and it is abbreviated as EUR. The euro is divided into Cent; there are 100 in one euro. http://www.confiduss.com/en/jurisdictions/malta/economy/

    ReplyDelete
  3. Looking for the best study guides online? We offer Test Bank For Managerial Accounting 15 E 15th Edition at the lowest prices. Download instantly and improve your grades today.

    ReplyDelete
  4. On many events, students stop from utilizing Online Assignment Writing Services since they feel that they can't help them with the subject that they are studying or the points on which they need support. Nonetheless, with ABC, this isn't something that you should stress over. cheap assignment help

    ReplyDelete
  5. College exams are not hard anymore! Face even the toughest tests and assignments with Test Bank For Forensic Psychology Plus Mypsychkit Access Card Package 3 E 3rd Edition right away!

    ReplyDelete
  6. You can find Test Bank For Lifesmart 1st Edition online in pdf/word format. Avail instant assistance for issues 24/7. There is no waiting time!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hey great article.. find this excellent page, one of the most interesting info online.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I clearly stumbled upon your weblog and favored to mention that I’ve truely loved reading your blog posts. anyhow I’ll be subscribing in your feed and that i wish you submit once more woocommerce integration quickly. Please keeps it top posting! thanks you a lot, I recognize your work.

    ReplyDelete
  9. It is good to hear that your store is now expanding to new locations. I have been a patron of Fantastic Eyes because of all the wonderful work that you guys do. I hope that this expansion move of yours will turn out to yellowstone beth dutton blue hooded coat be successful. I will definitely go and see this new store of yours

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for such a wonderful blog that looks pretty different, I would suggest you please make a proper plan for your blog and start professional blogging as a career, One day you would be smart enough to earn some money, wishing a rainy day in new york blazer you the best of luck my friend, Thanks a lot for your nice support and love.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great article it is very helpful and the last kingdom leather costume informative content good work. Keep it up.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Internet is full of awesome data and this page is an excellent example of that.

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a brilliant content post thanks for making this valuable stuff content you have made some wonderful stuff post. That's content post thanks Mo Brings Plenty Yellowstone Jacket for making this valuable stuff post your content is a very interesting article provide I love it.

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a brilliant content post thanks for making this valuable stuff content you have made some wonderful Mo Brings Plenty Yellowstone Jacket stuff post. That's content post thanks for making this valuable stuff post your content is a very interesting article provide I love it.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Exams are easier with the TestBank2022 assistance. Find best selling Engineering Computation An Introduction Using Matlab And Excel 1st Edition Solution Manual and solution manuals and be on the top of your class today.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Best discounts, updates and coupons available for Auditing A Practical Approach Canadian Edition Test Bank on Test Banks 21 with live chat support.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Many experts assert Online Flashcards are the best learning tools to save time and improve learning efficiency. Check out the most efficient flashcard collection online.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm very glad to see that this article has stimulated you and it's been a really informative article. Beth Dutton Coat

    ReplyDelete
  19. This blog is a breath of fresh air, filled with positivity and inspiration. It's exactly what I needed to boost my mood! I never knew taking a Color Blind Test could be so much fun until I visited this website! It's both educational and entertaining.

    ReplyDelete
  20. It can be somewhat difficult to navigate property division during a divorce, but your piece clarifies the New York procedure tremendously. Your helpful advice and pointers are much appreciated. Keep up the fantastic job!
    División de Propiedad de Divorcio de Nueva York

    ReplyDelete
  21. Nice work! Your blog posts are always insightful and engaging. MineSuperior stands out among Minecraft networks, offering features like Factions, Skyblock, and Survival – a next-gen Minecraft Server Free designed for maximum enjoyment.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Your genuine optimism is a breath of fresh air – keep spreading those good vibes! This Clicks Per Second is a gem! Tried it and loved the variety of clicking methods explained – perfect for gamers looking to optimize their performance.

    ReplyDelete
  23. A fair assessment of the subject matter. canuckle word game daily riddles keep my brain sharp and entertained, love it!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Great article, a debt of gratitude is in order for assembling this!
    Fetish Leather Shirt

    ReplyDelete