Subject: Problems » Failure

The most difficult light bulb to replace burns out first and most frequently.

Failure Murphy’s Laws Problems

A component’s degree of reliability is directly proportional to its ease of accessibility (i.e., the harder it is to get to, the more often it breaks down).

Failure Murphy’s Laws Problems Things

We still… cannot catch Osama bin Laden, but we nailed Martha Stewart's ass to the wall.

(1964 – ) American comedian & actor
Failure Government Law People

Success can be insured only by devising a defense against failure of the contingency plan.

Failure Murphy’s Laws Problems Success

Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.

(1879 – 1935) humorist & social commentator
Accidents Failure Situations

It is not enough to succeed, others must fail.

(1925 – 2012) author, playwright, essayist & screenwriter
Failure Success

Everything put together sooner or later falls apart.

Failure Murphy’s Laws Problems

The shortest distance between two points is a downward spiral.

Failure Murphy’s Laws Problems

If at first you don't succeed, try try again… then quit; there's no use being a damn fool about it.

(1880 – 1946) comedian, actor, juggler & writer
Failure Situations Success

No experiment is ever a complete failure – it can always serve as a negative example.

Failure Murphy’s Laws Problems

If you are attempting the impossible, you will fail

Failure Murphy’s Laws Problems

If the probability of success is not almost one, then it is damn near zero.

Failure Murphy’s Laws Success

Trying is the first step towards failure.

cartoon character in The Simpsons (Dan Castellaneta)
Failure Problems Situations

Never fret for an only son, the idea of failure will never occur to him.

(1856 – 1950) Irish playwright & socialist
Failure Problems Success

Experiments should be reproducible… they should all fail in the same way.

Failure Murphy’s Laws Problems

Washing machines only break down during the wash cycle.
Corollary: All breakdowns occur on the plumber's day off.

Failure Murphy’s Laws Problems

The great advantage of being in a rut is that when one is in a rut, one knows exactly where one is.

1867 – 1931) English novelist
Failure Problems

Success doesn’t teach as many lessons as failure does.


Failure Success

When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, it will.

Failure Murphy’s Laws Problems

Byrne's Law: In any electrical circuit, appliances and wiring will burn out to protect fuses.

(1930 – ) American author and billiard player, teacher & commentator
Failure Murphy’s Laws Things

Percussive Maintenance: Striking a recalcitrant piece of electronic hardware in order to facilitate a successful reboot, and repeating as necessary.

Definitions Failure Problems Things