A scientist describes what is. An engineer creates what never was.
Theodore Von KarmanRead
Scientists study the world as it is, engineers create the world that never has been.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Scientists observe and understand the current state of the world, while engineers design and build new possibilities.
This quote emphasizes the distinct yet complementary roles of scientists and engineers. Scientists focus on understanding the natural world through observation and study, uncovering its laws and principles. In contrast, engineers take that knowledge and apply it creatively to design and create new systems, structures, and technologies that have never existed before, ultimately shaping and transforming society.
Themes
ScienceEngineeringInnovationCreationDiscovery
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about innovation at a tech conference.
More from Theodore Von Karman
All quotes βSimilar quotes
Of what use are the great number of petrifactions, of different species, shape and form which are dug up by naturalists? Perhaps the collection of such specimens is sheer vanity and inquisitiveness. I do not presume to say; but we find in our mountains the rarest animals, shells, mussels, and corals embalmed in stone, as it were, living specimens of which are now being sought in vain throughout Europe. These stones alone whisper in the midst of general silence.
Carl LinnaeusRead
You will never find scientists leading armies into battle. You just wonβt. Especially not astrophysicists -we see the biggest picture there is. We understand how small we are in the cosmos. We understand how fragile and temporary our existence is here on Earth. We understand there are bigger problems we need to solve as a species than what God you pray to.
Neil Degrasse TysonRead
We have a picture for how complexity arises, because if the universe is computationally capable, maybe we shouldn't be so surprised that things are so entirely out of control.
Seth LloydRead
The greatest service which can be rendered any country is to add a useful plant to its culture. --The Fruit Hunters
Thomas JeffersonRead
Science attempts to find logic and simplicity in nature. Mathematics attempts to establish order and simplicity in human thought.
Edward TellerRead
It was about three o'clock at night when the final result of the calculation [which gave birth to quantum mechanics] lay before me ... At first I was deeply shaken ... I was so excited that I could not think of sleep. So I left the house ... and awaited the sunrise on top of a rock.
Werner HeisenbergRead