The full quote is a bit more nuanced and captures this, but the key to this mantra is properly defining what "works" means. Code that "works" doesn't just mean

The full quote is a bit more nuanced and captures this, but the key to this mantra is properly defining what "works" means. Code that "works" doesn't just mean it runs/compiles/passes CI/etc. It has to continuously add value. It can do this by running properly and efficiently across a wide variety of likely or infrequent conditions, as well as some exceptional scenarios. It can do this by being written clearly and not adding technical debt. It can do this by being as simple and/or as replaceable as possible. And ultimately, it can even add a final gasp of value by being easily deletable.