Engineers Are...

Engineers are the masters of the laws of nature.

On a sound foundation of mathematics, science, and economics, they bend the materials and forces of nature to their plans and rear the structure of civilization. With vision, resourcefulness, and ingenuity, they labor to increase the comfort, wealth, and safety of mankind.

They attack their problems with the vision of the pioneer, the integrity of the scientist, the accuracy of the mathematician, the practicality of the businessman, the resourcefulness of the inventor, and the courage of the conqueror.

They are the planners and the builders. They build visions into enduring realities.

They are the pathfinders of civilization. They break down barriers, bridge chasms, establish communication, and straighten the way for commerce and human progress. · they are the protagonists of efficiency. They reduce effort, eliminate waste, and increase production.

They are the creators of a nation's wealth. They drain the swamps, reclaim the deserts, develop resources, and harness power. They build the machinery of industry, the wheels of commerce, and the structure of business.

They are the great coordinators. They plan and direct the construction of projects representing millions of dollars and involving the labor of thousands of people.

They investigate with open mind, and get the facts before they make decisions. They plan with thoroughness and build with fidelity.

To their rich heritage from the labors of past generations of engineers and scientists, they add their contributions. They continue the work of forcing outward challenging barriers that separate mankind's efforts from the impossible.

from the writings of David Bernard Steinman, founding President of NSPE, circa 1932