Reflections on the Status of the Engineer

For years there was a constant cry to the effect that the engineer did not receive the recognition which he deserved. Lately, the same cry is heard although less frequently. In the past there was much to justify such complaint, and even now there is some excuse for it. It seems probable, however, that the engineer himself is in great degree responsible for such a state of affairs in that he has been until recent times almost inarticulate in the councils of men; and, at this date, while by no means silent, is heard far less frequently than he should be. It is astonishing how few laymen know what an engineer is and how he accomplishes the tasks allotted to him. For that situation, the engineer is more to blame than the layman; and it would be distinctly to his advantage to have others know more of him and his work than they now do. It may therefore profit the engineer to analyze the matter and to take steps to overcome this disability.