posting from epr in structural engineering section 2

[btrueblood]

I thought this could stand wider distribution, thus posted it here - BT

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I don't know where I found this, but I feel that everyone in this forum deserves to read the following quote.


ENGINEERING -- "Ours is a great profession. There is the fascination of watching a figment of the imagination emerge through the aid of science to a plan on paper. Then it moves to realization in stone or metal or energy. Then it brings jobs and homes to men. Then it elevates the standards of living and adds to the comforts of life. That is the engineer's high privilege."

"The great liability of the engineer compared to men of other professions is that his works are out in the open where all can see them. His acts, step by step, are in hard substance. He cannot bury his mistakes in the grave like doctors. He cannot argue them into thin air or blame the judge like lawyers. He cannot, like the architects, cover his failures with trees and vines. He cannot, like the politicians, screen his shortcomings by blaming his opponents and hope people will forget. The engineer simply cannot deny he did it. If his works do not work, he is damned . . ."

"On the other hand, unlike the doctor, his is not a life among the weak. Unlike the soldier, destruction is not his purpose. Unlike the lawyer, quarrels are not his daily bread. To the engineer falls the job of clothing the bare bones of science with life, comfort and hope. No doubt as years go by the people will forget which engineer did it, even if they knew. . . . But the engineer himself looks back at the unending stream of goodness which flows from his successes with satisfactions that few professions may know. And the verdict of his fellow professionals is all the accolade he wants."


President Herbert Hoover

 

[CajunCenturion]

I hope it was posted with all due credit to President Herbert Hoover, as it was he who first penned these words.

 

[sms]

Amen!!

When I drive out to the end of the Europort near Rotterdam in Holland, and I see Lyondell Chemical Company's new propylene oxide plant there on the edge of the North Sea, I can say I helped build that, and it works and it is clean and efficient, and the chemicals it produces will make life better for many Europeans, and yes I am proud.

 

[PSE]

One of the best statements of the profession I have seen. Thanks for the post.

Regards,