The Tractor Principle: Why Less is More in Software Development

During a Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, Charlie Munger was asked about his thoughts on the ever-growing complexity of software systems and their potential pitfalls.

Munger, known for his wisdom and sharp wit, leaned back in his chair and started speaking, “Reminds me of a story about a person I knew back in Nebraska. This person had a tractor, a fine piece of machinery, the pride of his farm. But over the years, he kept adding on new attachments and accessories, each promising to make his work easier and more efficient.”

“One day,” Munger continued, “he was out plowing his field when the tractor suddenly stopped dead. He checked the engine, the fuel, everything he could think of, but couldn’t figure out the problem. Frustrated, he called up the local mechanic, a wise old fellow who’d seen it all.”

“The mechanic came out, took one look at the tractor with all its bells and whistles, and shook his head. ‘Too much complexity,’ he said. ‘All these fancy gadgets might look impressive, but they’ve made this thing so complicated that nobody, not even you, understands how it works anymore.’”

Munger paused for a moment, letting the story sink in. Then, with a twinkle in his eye, he said, “Software’s a bit like that tractor. Each new feature, each new line of code…