In its simplest form, the quote suggests that when it comes to machines or anything tangible we create, their functionality and reliability are black-and-white matters. Whether a machine operates as intended does not depend on how well someone can sell it; rather, it stands or falls based on its performance alone.
Beyond its surface meaning, this statement underscores the importance of substance over style in technology and engineering fields. It highlights that while marketing and sales techniques play a crucial role in promoting products, they do not change the fundamental capabilities of those products. This principle extends to all areas where there is an objective standard for success—such as software development or any kind of product design—where the effectiveness of what has been created must stand on its own merits.
Marc Andreessen, the author of this insightful quote, is a well-known American entrepreneur and venture capitalist who co-founded Netscape Communications Corporation in 1994. He continues to influence the tech industry through his investments and strategic insights.
