For Engineering to Champion Future Industrial Revolutions, It Must Look to the Past

Abstract

This article discusses Engineering and the Engineer in an informal way intended to attract the attention of engineering educators, industry professionals and students. By tracing the definition term “Engineer” to ancient Greek which translates to genius, it is hoped that those of us who are engineers or those that intend to become engineers will be made aware of the respect and reverence which National Leaders have had bestowed upon them, through all industrial resolutions. Indeed, Some National Leaders have been Engineers and Scientists themselves. The article gives some early examples of geniuses of ancient Egypt and latterly those in Europe, Asia and the United States. The article discloses that what we call STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) was in fact not new and gives examples of Thomas Edison and Benjamin Franklin of the United States. With these examples, it is hoped that Engineers will embrace roles in public life and national governance. The article goes into particular depth the importance of a broadened curriculum, bemoaning the present trend of overspecialization. Here the article gives an example of the curriculum he himself followed in the 1970’s. In what can be called an autobiographical sketch, the article describes his own experience as a Trainee / Graduate Engineer with the National Railways of Zimbabwe, which had a solid training reputation, especially during the 1980’s. In this sketch, the importance of humility, order, and adherence to professionalisms are recommended as part of the repertoire to a future successful Engineer.