RE: "It is not necessary to change. Survival is optional."

["Mack, Wayne" <wayne.mack@pec.com>]

I did not have the same reaction to this statement as Mr. Forte.  My
interpretation was always that is was a somewhat humorous reminder that =
one
cannot simply stay with the status quo, that change is necessary for
continued life.

I would interpret the statement as simply "Change is necessary for =
survival."
The statement does not promise survival, but states that lack of change =
will
surely lead to demise.  I think it would be quite a misinterpretation to =
feel
the quote implies "You did not survive because you did not follow me"; =
there
is simply nothing in the wording that leads to that meaning.

I do not think there is really anything controversial with the idea that
change is necessary for survival, but I find Dr. Deming's wording much =
more
poetic and memorable.

Wayne Mack
Wayne.Mack@PEC.com