Engineer Quote by Theodore von Karman
“A scientist describes what is. An engineer creates what never was.”
About This Quote
Scientists explain existing reality; engineers invent new possibilities beyond what is known.
In simple terms: Science explains, engineering creates.
Key Takeaway
Blend theory with creation.
Themes
innovation
science
engineering
creativity
Mood
inspired
curious
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- product development
- research labs
- startup ventures
- infrastructure projects
Key Concepts
problem solving
design thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- What can you invent from current knowledge?
- How do you bridge theory and practice?
A Different Perspective
Engineering may face practical limits.
![“The [engineer] should be equipped with knowledge of many branches of study and varied kinds of learning, for it is by his judgement that all work done by the other arts is put to test. This knowledge is the child of practice and theory.” quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/afa/marcus-vitruvius-pollio-7498_art_the-engineer-should-be-equipped-with-kno_386834.jpg)
![“It's [programming] the only job I can think of where I get to be both an engineer and an artist. There's an incredible, rigorous, technical element to it, which I like because you have to do very precise thinking. On the other hand, it has a wildly creative side where the boundaries of imagination…” quote by Andy Hertzfeld](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/001/andy-hertzfeld-24074_art_it-s-programming-the-only-job-i-can-thin_250407.jpg)
![“A lawyer’s either a social engineer or … a parasite on society … A social engineer [is] a highly skilled, perceptive, sensitive lawyer who [understands] the Constitution of the United States and [knows] how to explore its uses in the solving of problems of local communities and in bettering…” quote by Charles Hamilton Houston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/13e/charles-hamilton-houston-36638_african-american_a-lawyer-s-either-a-social-engineer-or-a_166045.jpg)
