It seems to me there is an inherent assumption in that quote that there are no relevant differences causing you to believe the second attempt may be successful where the first was not. Consider:
In your axe example, while the actor is technically repeating the same action, he is not actually "trying the same thing". What he tried initially was to destroy a 100% structurally sound door with a single axe swing. What he tried the second time was to destroy a structurally compromised door with an axe swing. One of these things is not quite like the other:)
If there is a potentially valid reason to believe the second attempt may succeed where the first did not, there is logic there. This quote is defining insanity as actions taken without the benefit of any cognitive reasoning. I find it more helpful to take this principle from the quote, than to try to literally apply it.
However, perhaps a better phrase would say "expecting better results" instead of simply different.
The one PC world wouldn't repair because Linux was on it?
http://linux.slashdot.org/linux/07/09/15/2031231.shtml
Seems that whole "'The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act states that ______ cannot void a warranty for a product with third-party enhancements or modifications to their product. The only exception to this rule is if Apple can determine that the modification or enhancement is responsible [for] damaging the product in question..." might apply there as well eh?
Nevermind the copyright issue. This is a far more heinous scheme.. for the love of god somebody stop them!
"Here a SCO, there a SCO, everywhere a SCO SCO..." AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
I got a kick out of the end of the article:
"The functionality that SP2 brings to the table may make many third-party security utilities--such as popup blockers and software firewalls--obsolete."
"may" indeed, lol. As in I "may" trip over a winning lottery ticket while sitting at my desk typing this:)
Slashdot Mirror
It seems to me there is an inherent assumption in that quote that there are no relevant differences causing you to believe the second attempt may be successful where the first was not. Consider: In your axe example, while the actor is technically repeating the same action, he is not actually "trying the same thing". What he tried initially was to destroy a 100% structurally sound door with a single axe swing. What he tried the second time was to destroy a structurally compromised door with an axe swing. One of these things is not quite like the other :)
If there is a potentially valid reason to believe the second attempt may succeed where the first did not, there is logic there. This quote is defining insanity as actions taken without the benefit of any cognitive reasoning. I find it more helpful to take this principle from the quote, than to try to literally apply it.
However, perhaps a better phrase would say "expecting better results" instead of simply different.
The one PC world wouldn't repair because Linux was on it? http://linux.slashdot.org/linux/07/09/15/2031231.shtml Seems that whole "'The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act states that ______ cannot void a warranty for a product with third-party enhancements or modifications to their product. The only exception to this rule is if Apple can determine that the modification or enhancement is responsible [for] damaging the product in question ..." might apply there as well eh?
Nevermind the copyright issue. This is a far more heinous scheme.. for the love of god somebody stop them! "Here a SCO, there a SCO, everywhere a SCO SCO..." AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
I got a kick out of the end of the article: "The functionality that SP2 brings to the table may make many third-party security utilities--such as popup blockers and software firewalls--obsolete." "may" indeed, lol. As in I "may" trip over a winning lottery ticket while sitting at my desk typing this :)