The Introspective Engineer

An exciting look at how engineering can shape the future of our society and offer creative technological solutions to our twenty-first–century problems.


The profession of engineering is rarely the topic of serious public discussion. Multimedia, virtual reality, information superhighway-these are the buzzwords of the day. But real engineers, the people who conceive of computers and oversee their manufacture, the people who design and build information systems, cars, bridges, and airplanes, labor in obscurity. There are no engineering heroes, and we as a society are poorer for this.



Like Florman's landmark book, The Existential Pleasures of Engineering, The Introspective Engineer is a clarion call to society. We must awaken to the reality that the quality of human life depends on increasingly creative technological solutions to the problems we face. We need cleaner, more economical engines, faster computers, more power, and a healthier planet if we are to survive. It is engineers who will lead us to this future.



"The Introspective Engineer is thought-provoking, highly readable, and delightful." —ASEE PRISM

"Here, in a rare combination of intelligence, broad experience, and writing of style and wit, is an examination of the engineering profession today and the nature of engineers themselves. . . . One can only wish others had such vision." —Engineers Quarterly

"Samuel Florman . . . has provided another elegant and insightful look into engineering. In case you haven't read any of Florman's books yet, I encourage you to do so as he is one of engineering's most articulate and thoughtful authors." —Journal of Engineering Education