The Creative Engineer

The Art of Inventing

The economic growth and strength of a nation are directly related to the ability of its people to make discoveries and their ability to transform these discoveries into useful products. Ninety percent of the increase in output per capita in the United States from 1909 to 1949 has been held to be attributable to technological advances. In this book, we examine the ways in which a number of important new technologies came into being and review the characteristic traits of inventors who create new technologies. Ways are suggested that could enable young and old alike to become more creative, and the various benefits they can thereby reap are also discussed. A high level of creativity is an important asset for a nation, and therefore a knowledge of ways to increase inventiveness can be of great value. University of Cincinnati President Warren Bennis has noted that "creativity is something most of us seem to lose, or let atrophy, as we leave childhood."· To "rediscover it," he continues, "we must find ways of re-creating our sense of wondering why, of heightening, even altering, our consciousness." Thus the earlier in life one seeks to enhance his creativity, the more successful the results are likely to be.