The Gospel of the Rocket
In the days when the white engineers were disputing the attributes of the feeder system that was to be, one of them came to Enzian of Bleicheröde and said, "We cannot agree on the chamber pressure. Our calculations show that a working pressure of 40 atü would be the most desirable. But all the data we know of are grouped around a value of only 10 atü.
"Then clearly," replied the Nguarorerue, "you must listen to the data."
"But that would not be the most perfect or efficient value," protested the German.
"Proud man," said the Nguarorerue. "What are these data, if not direct revelation? Where have they come from, if not from the Rocket which is to be? How do you presume to compare a number you have only derived on paper with a number that is the Rocket's own? Avoid pride, and design to some compromise value."
--Gravity's Rainbow
"Then clearly," replied the Nguarorerue, "you must listen to the data."
"But that would not be the most perfect or efficient value," protested the German.
"Proud man," said the Nguarorerue. "What are these data, if not direct revelation? Where have they come from, if not from the Rocket which is to be? How do you presume to compare a number you have only derived on paper with a number that is the Rocket's own? Avoid pride, and design to some compromise value."
--Gravity's Rainbow
posted by GeoX, one of the GeoX boys. at 12:43 PM
"According as circumstances are favorable, one should modify one's plans."
Sun Tzu
The Art of War