The Fable of the Circular Knitting Machine

The Fable of the Circular Knitting Machine

There was a circular knitting machine renowned for its speed and skill, capable of producing vast quantities of exquisite fabric in a short time.

One day, it was suddenly tasked with creating the most beautiful piece of fabric in the world. After adjustments, the machine indeed wove a remarkably beautiful fabric, but no one could confirm whether it was truly the most beautiful in the world. Driven by this uncertainty, the machine continued its exploration, modifying its components and producing even more beautiful fabrics. However, one day, it realized that people no longer desired an abundance of beautiful fabrics but instead sought more practical ones. Yet, due to the pursuit of that sudden, ambitious goal, a great deal of time and precious materials had been wasted. This not only resulted in loss but also disrupted its regular knitting operations, causing it to miss many opportunities to produce useful fabrics.

Certainly, the ability to weave the world's most beautiful fabric gives one a competitive edge. However, even the best technology has its shelf life. One cannot rely on a single achievement forever or expect to sustain a career solely on one technique. Without continuous progress, one might miss out on even greater opportunities. Innovation should be actively pursued under more rational planning, leading to new technologies and achievements. Only in the right hands can new technologies truly shine.

Everything follows its own inherent laws. Working in accordance with these laws leads to achieving more with less effort; going against them results in expending more effort for less gain. Do not overcomplicate simple matters, nor oversimplify complex ones. What you imagine may be vastly different from reality. To make sound judgments, you must truly understand the subject, communicate frequently with knowledgeable individuals, and conduct thorough research.

There are two paths: one involves meticulous care and constant refinement, gradually exceeding expectations because every assigned task is executed excellently. The other path is less demanding—each time achieving 90% of perfection—but steadily progresses and also successfully reaches the goal.

Operating a circular knitting machine is undoubtedly arduous and demanding. Without a genuine passion for the industry, it is difficult to sustain long-term dedication. As long as you skillfully complete the assigned tasks, each day can be joyful. Day after day, year after year, making incremental progress, understanding the machine a little better each time, overcoming countless difficulties—driven by the goal of producing both practical and beautiful products—we continue striving.