Billy Vaughn Coen states in "The Engineering Method" by (1984) that
Numerous studies show that the American Engineer is less well read, a better family member, more conservative politically, more oriented to the use of numbers than to general philosophical positions in making a decision, and goal oriented. [Coen, 1984]
My manifesto contained within this blog is partly a rebuke to this (except for the family part). It doesn't challenge the perception of who we are, but who we are. Presumptuous? Yes, of course, after all, I did write a manifesto. When writing it, I realize some things will come off as too simplistic and can be misleading. It is meant to be read as a coherent whole, not piecemeal. If I have offended anyone, I meant to, but not in the negative way. I hope I have positively offended you! Now please write back and offend me too at ean@structuresworkshop.com My intent is not to provoke, but to seek truth, to be clear, to translate what I do as an engineer (when designing buildings), as an educator, and as a citizen and human being. It shouldn't be provocative. In 20 years, this is all going to sound pretty straightforward and bland (this is not a goal, just a natural progression towards truth). Also, most these ideas are not mine, I steal them. Sometimes I don't always know where I steal them or from whom. I am sorry about that. I couldn't figure out where I got the idea that goals are unhealthy. That came from within - I am really excited about that one. The ideas about the design process were easy - I just looked at my sent items email folder for one day. I have read many of these ideas before but they are scattered and not coherent. That was why I decided to lay it all out. It is a draft, and my manifesto will always be a work in progress… towards quality- just like engineering.