Samual Florman is graceful and balanced writer, as well as a very proud and sensible practicing civil engineer. All of his writing is well worth reading, especially for professional humanists wisely or foolishly spooked by technology, which is not going away, but this one gets to the heart of ancient and impending problems. Florman notes a cultural disrespect, perhaps fading by now, for his profession and looks within, especially at the standard American university engineering curriculum, rather than simply, and simple-mindedly, assigning all blame to others. What a concept! Recommended for all ages and prejudices.