Engineering is the application of understanding.
An engineer encounters a problem, researches the causes, investigates ways to remedy the problem, and then designs and implements a solution.
I have tried to answer the question “Why do I enjoy engineering so much?” for a really long time and have finally realized that it’s not one particular aspect. Instead, it’s the process as a whole. For an engineer, a project is a complete scientific discovery from start to finish.
Curiosity, Learning, Understanding, Expression and, finally, Application.
As an engineer, I think it’s important to engage with your projects on as many levels as you can. Seek out your own problems to solve. Do detailed research to find solutions. Design creative and fantastic solutions to problems. Get your hands dirty putting your inventions together. Be there when the problem you encountered is finally solved. And, most importantly, enjoy the satisfaction and happiness of being a curious child, an academic, an artist, and an inventor.
I’ve found that the most compelling activities I engage in all follow this progression. I am an engineer, an entrepreneur, a photographer, and a musician. In almost every way, I think these are simply different names for the same thing.
What hobbies or activities engage all your abilities and satisfy your sense of wonder?
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I suppose my objection to the comparison between engineering and music and photography is that engineering has nearly infinite depth. Music and photography are particular expressions of these thing; more accurate would be to say that engineering shares similar aspects of the creative arts, which encompasses the qualities above.