Henry Petroski

Date of Birth: February 6, 1942

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Biography

Henry Petroski is an acclaimed author and a distinguished professor of civil engineering and history at Duke University. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Petroski developed an early interest in both the humanities and sciences, leading him to pursue a multidisciplinary approach to his career. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Manhattan College and went on to complete his Master’s and Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Petroski’s work often focuses on the interplay between engineering, design, and failure analysis. He is renowned for his ability to communicate complex engineering principles through engaging narratives, making science and engineering accessible to a broad audience. Some of his most famous works include “To Engineer is Human: The Role of Failure in Successful Design,” “The Pencil: A History of Design and Circumstance,” and “The Evolution of Useful Things.” In addition to his numerous books, Petroski has contributed to a variety of periodicals and journals, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Scientific American. His insightful writings have earned him several awards and honors in both engineering and literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Petroski

1. Henry Petroski has written over 20 books, many of which explore the history and significance of everyday objects.

2. He has been a faculty member at Duke University since 1980.

3. Petroski’s book “The Pencil: A History of Design and Circumstance” was praised for turning an ordinary object into a subject of deep historical and engineering significance.

4. He has received honorary degrees from several institutions, including Trinity College in Hartford and Clarkson University.

5. Petroski has been a frequent guest on radio shows and podcasts, discussing topics ranging from bridge design to the importance of failure in engineering.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Petroski

1. “Failure is central to engineering. Every single calculation that an engineer makes is a failure calculation.”

2. “Form follows failure.”

3. “The concept of the perfect is the enemy of the good.”

4. “Design is coming to grips with one’s real lifestyle, one’s real place in the world. Rooms should not be put together for show but to nourish one’s well-being.”

5. “The engineer’s first problem in any design situation is to discover what the problem really is.”