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Quote by Herbert Hoover

“It is a great profession. There is the fascination of watching a figment of the imagination emerge through the aid of science to a plan on paper. Then it moves to realization in stone or metal or energy. Then it brings jobs and homes to men. Then it elevates the standards of living and adds to the comforts of life. That is the engineer's high privilege.”

Quote by Herbert Hoover

Work

The Memoirs of Herbert Hoover: Years of adventure, 1874-1920

This book offers a firsthand perspective on the early life of Herbert Hoover, detailing his childhood, education, and early career. It provides insights into the formative experiences that shaped his future political and public service roles. more

Author

Herbert Hoover
Herbert Hoover

Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, was born on August 10, 1874, and died on October 20, 1964. A distinguished engineer, businessman, and philanthropist, he served as the United States Secretary of Commerce and as the Director of the United States Food Administration during World War I. As President, Hoover implemented a series of policies aimed at alleviating the Great Depression, but his approach was widely criticized. more

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“The great liability of the engineer compared to men of other professions is that his works are out in the open where all can see them. His acts, step by step, are in hard substance. He cannot bury his mistakes in the grave like the doctors. He cannot argue them into thin air or blame the judge like the lawyers. He cannot, like the architects, cover his failures with trees and vines. He cannot, like the politicians, screen his shortcomings by blaming his opponents and hope the people will forget. The engineer simply cannot deny he did it. If his works do not work, he is damned.”

“Our shipment of mowers was lost at sea and while we waited, winter descended and covered our green lawns with snow. That taught me a key lesson, the importance of timing. The shipping company lost the lawnmowers! By the time they showed up no one wanted them, as you can't cut grass when it's covered with snow.”