The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right

by Atul Gawande

The second type of failure the philosophers call ineptitude—because in these instances the knowledge exists, yet we fail to apply it correctly.

the volume and complexity of what we know has exceeded our individual ability to deliver its benefits correctly, safely, or reliably. Knowledge has both saved us and burdened us.

under conditions of complexity, not only are checklists a help, they are required for success. There must always be room for judgment, but judgment aided—and even enhanced—by procedure.