Engineering Quote by Carl Sagan
““We tend to hear much more about the splendors returned than the ships that brought them or the shipwrights. It has always been that way. Even those history books enamored of the voyages of Christopher Columbus do not tell much about the builders of the Nina the Pinta and the Santa Maria or about the principle of the caravel. These spacecraft their designers builders navigators and controllers are examples of what science and engineering set free for well-defined peaceful purposes can accomplish. Those scientists and engineers should be role models for an America seeking excellence and international competitiveness. They should be on our stamps.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Science and Engineering, 1990s
The quote argues that history glorifies explorers while neglecting the engineers and shipbuilders who made voyages possible, urging society to honor scientific and engineering achievements as role models for national excellence.
In simple terms: History celebrates explorers, not the engineers behind them.
Key Takeaway
Celebrate engineers as national role models.
Themes
history
engineering
science
national identity
recognition
Mood
reflective
inspirational
pragmatic
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- Education curricula
- public policy
- stamp design
- media coverage
- museum exhibits
Key Concepts
Innovation
collaboration
technological progress
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we better highlight engineers' contributions?
- What symbols best represent scientific achievement?
A Different Perspective
Engineering feats often lack public visibility, making it hard to inspire widespread admiration.
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