Engineering, medicine, business, architecture and painting are concerned not with the necessary but with the contingent – not with how things are but with how they might be – in short, with design.

Meaning

In the quote “Engineering, medicine, business, architecture and painting are concerned not with the necessary but with the contingent – not with how things are but with how they might be – in short, with design.,” the emphasis is on life. It highlights the thought that life rarely follows a perfect plan while implying that unexpected events often teach us.

Theme

As a foundational human concern, life appears in many sayings. It matters because people seek purpose and clarity, and this quote reminds us that every stage of life offers lessons.

About the Author

Many popular reflections are credited to Herbert Simon, including this one. Their words often comment on themes like life.

Style and Structure

Its structure relies on concise language. By applying contrast, the quote delivers a clear and strong message.

FAQ

What does this quote mean?
life rarely follows a perfect plan.

Why is it popular?
It speaks clearly about life, making it widely relatable.

How can it be applied?
It encourages us to we stay open to change.