The case for fixing everything

📰 MIT Technology Review

Learn why maintenance is crucial in tech and beyond, and how it can be a radical act, with steps to apply this mindset in your own work

intermediate Published 17 Apr 2026

Action Steps

Read Stewart Brand's book 'Maintenance: Of Everything, Part One' to understand the concept of maintenance and its impact on daily life
Apply the idea of maintenance as a radical act by taking responsibility for the upkeep and repair of tools and systems in your own work
Join the Maintainers network to learn from others and share your own experiences on maintenance and repair
Consider the honor owed to maintainers and how to recognize their importance in your organization
Reflect on how maintenance can be prioritized in your own projects and daily tasks to improve their overall quality and reliability

Who Needs to Know This

Developers, product managers, and engineers can benefit from understanding the importance of maintenance in their daily work, as it can impact the longevity and reliability of their projects

Key Insight

💡 Maintenance is a crucial aspect of tech and beyond, and recognizing its importance can lead to more reliable and long-lasting projects