Radia Perlman
Often called the 'Mother of the Internet' for her invention of the Spanning Tree Protocol.
Most quoted
"We build systems that are incredibly complex, and then we're surprised when they fail. It's like building a house of cards and being surprised when it falls down."
— from Conference talk
"The Internet is a testament to the fact that if you give people enough rope, they'll hang themselves... and then complain about the rope."
— from Talk/Presentation
"The Spanning Tree Protocol is a testament to the fact that you can't always get what you want, but you can always get what you need."
— from Various interviews and talks
All quotes by Radia Perlman (341)
The greatest legacy we can leave is not what we accumulate, but what we contribute.
Death reminds us to live each moment to the fullest.
The pursuit of truth is a lifelong journey, not a destination.
There's a profound simplicity in the underlying principles of the universe.
The human capacity for both creation and destruction is a paradox.
Life is a series of choices, and each choice shapes who we become.
The beauty of mathematics lies in its ability to describe the universe with elegant precision.
Consciousness is not just about thinking; it's about feeling, experiencing, and being.
The search for meaning is a fundamental human drive.
Truth is often stranger than fiction, and far more interesting.
The human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.
To live a meaningful life, you must be willing to take risks and embrace the unknown.
The spiritual connection we feel to nature is a reminder of our place in the cosmos.
The ultimate beauty is found in the harmony of opposing forces.
I'm not a big fan of the internet. I think it's a terrible idea.
The internet is a giant experiment in how much chaos we can tolerate.
If you think you understand security, you don't understand security.
The biggest security problem is people.
Spanning Tree Protocol is not a good idea. It's a hack.
I invented STP because I had to. It was a necessary evil.
Contemporaries of Radia Perlman
Other Computer Sciences born within 50 years of Radia Perlman (1951).