People think computers will keep them from making mistakes. They're wrong. With computers you make mistakes faster.

Adam Osborne’s quote, "People think computers will keep them from making mistakes. They're wrong. With computers you make mistakes faster," offers a critique of the common assumption that computers can eliminate errors or improve decision-making. Osborne, a computer pioneer known for founding Osborne Computer Corporation, is highlighting the fallibility of both humans and technology. While computers can help process information more efficiently, they do not automatically ensure that outcomes will be free from mistakes.

The quote plays on the idea that technology—specifically computers—does not inherently reduce the likelihood of errors. Instead, computers often amplify human mistakes by enabling faster processing and decision-making, which can lead to errors being made at a much quicker rate. Osborne’s remark suggests that reliance on technology may cause people to overlook or speed through crucial steps, resulting in mistakes happening at a faster pace than if they were done manually or with more careful consideration.

Osborne’s perspective also touches on the idea that computers are tools that amplify human capabilities, including our ability to make errors. Software and hardware can only function according to the parameters set by their users, and if those parameters are flawed, computers will simply execute them with speed. Therefore, the human element—decision-making, judgment, and oversight—remains critical, even when using the most advanced technology.

Ultimately, Osborne’s quote serves as a reminder that computers are not infallible and cannot replace human judgment or error-checking. Instead, technology should be seen as a tool to assist in the process, but not as a guarantee of perfection. The more we rely on computers without properly managing them, the faster we might make mistakes, underscoring the importance of critical thinking alongside the use of technology.