Edward Tenner: The paradox of efficiency

The video explores the concept of efficiency, highlighting its benefits and potential pitfalls. It uses the potato as a historical example of efficiency's double-edged nature, leading to both prosperity and disaster. Modern challenges of efficiency are discussed, such as electronic medical records and false positives in technology. The speaker advocates for 'inspired inefficiency,' emphasizing the importance of human intuition, diversity, and redundancy in achieving true efficiency.

What was the main reason the potato became a staple in Europe?

• It was a symbol of wealth and power.

• It was easy to grow in any climate.

• It provided balanced nutrition and had influential supporters.

• It was cheaper than other crops.

What was a major risk associated with the potato monoculture in Ireland?

• It was susceptible to a blight that could affect all plants.

• It required too much water to grow.

• It attracted pests that destroyed other crops.

• It was too expensive for most farmers.

How has the electronic medical record system ironically affected doctors' efficiency?

• It has reduced the need for patient visits.

• It has improved patient diagnosis accuracy.

• It has increased the time spent on electronic paperwork.

• It has eliminated the need for nurses.

What is a common issue with pattern recognition systems?

• They are too expensive to implement.

• They often produce false positives.

• They require constant human supervision.

• They are not compatible with most devices.

What was the unintended consequence of the French 75mm artillery piece?

• It was quickly outdated by new technology.

• It was too expensive to produce.

• It led to prolonged trench warfare.

• It was ineffective in battle.

Why are physical and chemical inventions considered more challenging than software-based ones?

• They require more funding.

• They are harder to scale up.

• They are less profitable.

• They have a longer development time.

What is one of the seven facets of inspired inefficiency?

• Embrace serendipity and wrong turns.

• Focus solely on data and measurement.

• Avoid making mistakes.

• Always follow the shortest path.

How can diversity contribute to security in organizations?

• By providing a range of perspectives and skills.

• By ensuring all employees think alike.

• By focusing on past successes only.

• By reducing the need for training.

What lesson can be learned from Thomas Edison's approach to filmmaking?

• Efficiency always leads to success.

• Cost-cutting should never be prioritized.

• Innovation is not important in filmmaking.

• Failure can be a necessary part of success.

What does the speaker suggest about the path to true efficiency?

• It is best achieved through strict planning.

• It is always a straight line.

• It may involve taking a curved path.

• It requires eliminating all inefficiencies.