Russell Baker Quotes

In principle, if you understood the mechanisms of keeping things repaired, you could keep things going indefinitely.

I think the first things that are relevant are that things should work well; they should function.

The real questions are: Does it solve a problem? Is it serviceable? How is it going to look in ten years?

Nothing in Chicago seems to be working the way it’s supposed to.

Make sure that they do not break anything because we are coming back in 4 years

Please make sure that they do not break anything because we are coming back in 4 years.

The most reliable appliance has simplicity and quality, does what is demanded of it, is economical to use, easy to maintain, and just as easy to repair. ...It also sells best and looks good.

Scientists have been struck by the fact that things that break down virtually never get lost, while things that get lost hardly ever break down.

I don't want to rust out, I'd rather wear out.

Engineering is achieving function while avoiding failure.

I don't have to worry No matter what they do to it, it works.

If you improve or tinker with something long enough, eventually it will break or malfunction.

If something is easy to repair, it is easy to construct.

Puma was all about function and not at all about design. The founder of the company always believed functionality and performance were the only ingredients that could make Puma successful and design never mattered.

In their search for quality, people seem to be looking for permanency in a time of change.

The worst wheel of the cart makes the most noise.

That could stay, not forever, because we believe that nothing exists that is forever, not even the dinosaurs, but if well maintained, it could remain for four to five thousand years. And that is definitely not forever.

Quality survives.

When you're dealing with machines or anything that you build, it either works or it doesn't, no matter how good of a salesman you are.

As you get older, things conk out. It's a bit like a car. As long as it's something the mechanics can fix, you can chug on for a few more thousand miles.

It is better to rust out than wear out.

This system isn't working.

I'd rather have a house that's nice but usable.

I used to lose my keys a lot.

When I buy something, I do so with the intention of keeping it forever.