National Engineers Week (February 14 to 20) is
celebrated this week. You may not be aware but engineers are playing a
much larger role in your life than you think. Every single product that
you consume or use was conceived in the mind of an engineer, designed by
an engineer, and made by engineers. From the toothbrush you use to the
toilets you flush, everything we use has been created by engineers.
There are only about 1 million engineers in this country. This is a tiny
fraction of the 120 million+ workforce. And yet 80% of the income
growth in this country is directly related to engineering inventions and
innovations.
Since the Declaration of Independence, the United States of America has captured the imagination of the world. The 20th century can rightfully be called as the century of American influence. Unlike England or France, America did not have colonies to loot. Instead America had its own internal engine of growth. Two centuries of unprecedented economic growth and wealth creation propelled America into an enviable position. America became a beacon of hope, freedom and prosperity.
Today most Americans seem to be unaware of the people who created this all powerful, unstoppable Engine – the Engine of invention, innovation and entrepreneurship. One of its early pioneers was Benjamin Franklin, one of our founding fathers. He was not merely a politician, but also a problem solver and inventor. He created the first bifocals, invented the lightening rod, built a safer stove for heating, invented the first odometer and studied how to design better ships. Ben Franklin can be truly called as the Father of American Engineering. A number of great engineering entrepreneurs followed the trail blazed by Ben Franklin.
To read the full, original article click on this link: From Ben Franklin to Dean Kamen - stop and thank an engineer today
Author: Mariappan Jawaharlal
