What would Abraham Lincoln think of Big Data and Agile Development?


In a speech to the House in June 1848, Abraham Lincoln shared his perspective on how to execute desired change, acknowledging that charting a path to a desired outcome is not a linear path and that facts are central to the journey.

A quote that reflects Lincoln's agile mindset: "Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way." In Agile development, we embrace the fact that we do not know very much about how to reach our goal. We "find the way" by communicating often, sharing facts and executing tasks that we believe will lead us to accomplishing "the thing." We focus on the goal and adapt, as needed, with the facts at hand. And regarding facts, he wanted to count all the pigs and chickens...

A quote that reflects Lincoln's thoughts on "Big Data" (collection): "He particularly objects, as I understand him, to counting all the pigs and chickens in the land. I do not perceive much force in the objection." Abe understood that decisions are advised by facts and data, yet he too warned that some data may not end up being very useful. Regarding the collection of data to guide decisions: "In that information, we shall have a stern, unbending basis of facts---a basis, in nowise subject to whim, caprice, or local interest."