Radia Perlman

Computer Science American 1951 341 quotes

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