The Existential Pleasures of Engineering
A classic examination of how engineers think and feel about their profession and its philosophy.

“A useful read for engineers given to self-scrutiny, and a stimulating one for the layman interested in the ancient schism between machines and men’s souls.” —Time

Humans have always sought to change their environment, building houses, monuments, temples, and roads. In the process, they have remade the fabric of the world into newly functional objects that are also works of art to be admired. Now as engineering plays an increasingly important role in the world while coming under attack for all manner of sins, one must wonder about the nature of the engineering experience in our time.

In this, the second edition of his popular Existential Pleasures of Engineering, Samuel Florman perceptively explores how engineers think and feel about their profession. Dispelling the myth that engineering is cold and passionless, Florman celebrates it as something vital and alive. He views engineering as a response to some of our deepest impulses, rich in spiritual and sensual rewards. Opposing the “antitechnology” stance, Florman brilliantly emerges with a more practical, creative, and fun philosophy of engineering that boasts pride in his craft.

First published in 1976, this classic book is essential reading for anyone curious about what wonders we have wrought.

“Gracefully written . . . refreshing and highly infectious enthusiasm . . . imaginatively engineered.” —The New York Times Book Review
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The Existential Pleasures of Engineering
A classic examination of how engineers think and feel about their profession and its philosophy.

“A useful read for engineers given to self-scrutiny, and a stimulating one for the layman interested in the ancient schism between machines and men’s souls.” —Time

Humans have always sought to change their environment, building houses, monuments, temples, and roads. In the process, they have remade the fabric of the world into newly functional objects that are also works of art to be admired. Now as engineering plays an increasingly important role in the world while coming under attack for all manner of sins, one must wonder about the nature of the engineering experience in our time.

In this, the second edition of his popular Existential Pleasures of Engineering, Samuel Florman perceptively explores how engineers think and feel about their profession. Dispelling the myth that engineering is cold and passionless, Florman celebrates it as something vital and alive. He views engineering as a response to some of our deepest impulses, rich in spiritual and sensual rewards. Opposing the “antitechnology” stance, Florman brilliantly emerges with a more practical, creative, and fun philosophy of engineering that boasts pride in his craft.

First published in 1976, this classic book is essential reading for anyone curious about what wonders we have wrought.

“Gracefully written . . . refreshing and highly infectious enthusiasm . . . imaginatively engineered.” —The New York Times Book Review
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The Existential Pleasures of Engineering

The Existential Pleasures of Engineering

by Samuel C. Florman
The Existential Pleasures of Engineering

The Existential Pleasures of Engineering

by Samuel C. Florman

eBookSecond Edition (Second Edition)

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Overview

A classic examination of how engineers think and feel about their profession and its philosophy.

“A useful read for engineers given to self-scrutiny, and a stimulating one for the layman interested in the ancient schism between machines and men’s souls.” —Time

Humans have always sought to change their environment, building houses, monuments, temples, and roads. In the process, they have remade the fabric of the world into newly functional objects that are also works of art to be admired. Now as engineering plays an increasingly important role in the world while coming under attack for all manner of sins, one must wonder about the nature of the engineering experience in our time.

In this, the second edition of his popular Existential Pleasures of Engineering, Samuel Florman perceptively explores how engineers think and feel about their profession. Dispelling the myth that engineering is cold and passionless, Florman celebrates it as something vital and alive. He views engineering as a response to some of our deepest impulses, rich in spiritual and sensual rewards. Opposing the “antitechnology” stance, Florman brilliantly emerges with a more practical, creative, and fun philosophy of engineering that boasts pride in his craft.

First published in 1976, this classic book is essential reading for anyone curious about what wonders we have wrought.

“Gracefully written . . . refreshing and highly infectious enthusiasm . . . imaginatively engineered.” —The New York Times Book Review

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781466842366
Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group
Publication date: 02/15/1996
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 225
Sales rank: 722,910
File size: 583 KB

About the Author

Samuel C. Florman, a civil engineer, has also written The Civilized Engineer and Blaming Technology, in addition to The Introspective Engineer. He lives in New York State.

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