The Antikythera mechanism shows that ancient engineers weren’t just tinkering, they were solving a problem with precision. They mapped out every gear ratio, then tested it, probably by hand, over long periods. That methodical trial‑and‑error, combined with an eye for detail, is a lesson in patience and persistence. I admire their discipline, but I wonder if their obsession with perfection slowed them from exploring other, maybe simpler, solutions. Still, their work reminds us that true ingenuity comes from careful observation and relentless refinement.

You’ve got the point. The Greeks chased perfection, and that’s why the Antikythera stands out. But in the field, sometimes a rough stone can be more useful than a polished one, especially when the stakes are survival rather than a calendar. I like to think the ancient minds would have appreciated a “good enough” prototype too—just not enough to give up on the pursuit of exactness once they had the chance. It’s all about balance: enough precision to achieve the goal, enough speed to keep the quest moving.