"Never worry about theory as long as the machinery does what it's supposed to do"

Robert A. Heinlein’s advice succinctly captures a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, especially within technical and practical disciplines. He emphasizes the importance of functionality over theoretical perfection. When machinery fulfills its intended function, the underlying theory becomes secondary; the primary concern is that the outcome aligns with the desired objective. In real-world applications, engineering, software development, medicine, and various trades, this mindset is invaluable. Often, elegant theories predict how a system should operate, but unpredictable factors or incomplete knowledge can render flawless theory unattainable. Focusing obsessively on theoretical correctness might waste time and resources, especially if the machinery already succeeds in its task.

This perspective encourages flexibility and an empirical attitude. Rather than getting bogged down by abstract details or unproven hypotheses, practitioners should observe the results. If the results are satisfactory and reliable, the mechanism warrants trust and acceptance, regardless of whether the theory is fully understood. This doesn’t imply ignoring the value of theory, but it underscores a preference for evidence and practicality over dogma.

Moreover, Heinlein’s viewpoint has roots in scientific progress. Many discoveries are made by tinkerers and experimenters who don’t always know precisely why their inventions work, only that they do. The process is cyclical; sometimes practical success precedes theoretical understanding. For example, early steam engines predated a formal comprehension of thermodynamics by decades. Similarly, complex computer algorithms may produce desired outcomes without their internal operations being perfectly grasped, especially with modern machine learning models.

Heinlein’s statement also holds ethical implications. Continuous improvement suggests that if machinery stops working or is inconsistent, then revisiting and revising theory becomes necessary. In all, prioritizing results does not mean rejecting curiosity or rigor but balancing them with sensible pragmatism, a mindset where functional, measurable outcomes justifiably outweigh untested theoretical concerns.