Engineering Quote by Clifford Stoll
“The first time you do something, it's science. The second time, it's engineering. The third time, it's just being a technician. I'm a scientist. Once I do something, I want to do something else.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Cuckoo's Egg, 1989
First attempts are exploratory, second attempts refine, third attempts become routine technical work.
In simple terms: Science → engineering → technician.
Key Takeaway
Progress through repeated practice.
Themes
learning
process
expertise
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- lab research
- software development
- hobby projects
Key Concepts
iteration
skill acquisition
Questions to Reflect On
- What step can you repeat to master a skill?
- When does routine become limiting?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on routine can stifle creativity.
![“Leave a cavity behind the [wall] facings, and on the inside build walls two feet thick, made of red dimension stone or burnt brick or lava in courses, and then bind them to the fronts by means of iron clamps and lead. The beds and builds, all settling equally and bonded at the joints, will not let…” quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d76/marcus-vitruvius-pollio-7498_bed_leave-a-cavity-behind-the-wall-facings-a_5922.jpg)
