# Thinking Ahead By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2023-05-02 War is serious and dangerous. When nations go to war battles are physical and existential. Ideally, the military and scientists focused on the development of robust and effective weapons. There are scramjet propulsion systems, nuclear weapons, and stealth technologies. Each is impressive, consequential, and destructive. There is another highly impressive weapon system, that in addition to all its military use holds an important metaphor for analytics. The Swiss Army knife was first produced in 1891. It is a relatively rugged tool that allows for a variety of uses. Focusing on one is useful – the corkscrew. Being able to uncork a bottle of wine efficiently and effectively is handy, in war and in peace. One never knows when a nice bottle of wine will become available, but if one does, one will want to be able to open it. Analytics is about thinking ahead both in terms of forecasting and understanding what the analysis will be used. Few military weapons from the 1800s still hold relevance today. Unsurprisingly, one that does is highly versatile and aligned with human needs. As we confront the battles of life and business remember to bring a corkscrew, you will need it. #### Related Items [[Analytics]] [[Thinking]] [[Existential]] [[Tools]] [[Life]]