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Computer engineers of today are likely to find that if…

“Computer engineers of today are likely to find that if they have a two-week holiday they may miss a crucial new development in computing. Similarly, those wishing to keep abreast of mechanical engineering in the late nineteenth century had little choice but to keep working at the coalface where…” quote by James Essinger
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““Computer engineers of today are likely to find that if they have a two-week holiday they may miss a crucial new development in computing. Similarly, those wishing to keep abreast of mechanical engineering in the late nineteenth century had little choice but to keep working at the coalface where knowledge was being sledge-hammered out of the rock of ignorance.””

James Essinger

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Rapid tech advances mean short breaks can cause professionals to miss critical developments, especially historically when knowledge was laboriously extracted.

In simple terms: Missing short breaks can cause engineers to miss breakthroughs.

Key Takeaway

Stay continuously informed; schedule brief updates.

Themes

technology history learning innovation work ethic

Mood

concerned reflective

Type

historical motivational

When to use this quote

  • software development
  • mechanical design
  • academic research
  • career planning

Key Concepts

knowledge diffusion continuous education industry pressure

Questions to Reflect On

  • What strategies keep professionals updated without fatigue?
  • How did past engineers cope with knowledge gaps?
A Different Perspective

Information overload can lead to burnout if not managed.

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