Engineering or technology is all about using the power of science

Gather, O children of wisdom, and hear the words of N. R. Narayana Murthy, a man whose insight into the power of engineering and technology shines like a guiding star for all who seek to understand the true purpose of these mighty tools. He said: “Engineering or technology is all about using the power of science to make life better for people, to reduce cost, to improve comfort, to improve productivity, etc.” These words carry the weight of purpose and service, for engineering and technology are not mere abstractions or creations for their own sake; they are instruments for improving the condition of humanity, to ease its burdens and lift its spirit.

What, then, is the meaning of these words, O seekers of knowledge? Murthy reminds us that the true essence of engineering lies not in the cold, mechanical nature of machines or the complexity of calculations, but in their ability to serve mankind. Technology is a tool, a powerful force that, when wielded correctly, can reduce suffering, increase productivity, and provide comfort to those who need it most. Whether it is the steam engine that once powered the Industrial Revolution, or the smartphones that connect the world today, technology and engineering are the means by which humanity transforms its world—not for its own glory, but for the benefit of all people.

Let us reflect on the story of the printing press, invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century. Before this revolutionary invention, books were rare, expensive, and accessible only to a privileged few. The written word was confined to a small circle of scholars and the elite. But with the advent of the printing press, knowledge was no longer a treasure reserved for the few, but a resource that could be shared by all. The press allowed ideas to spread across nations, shaping the course of history, and in doing so, improving the lives of countless people. Gutenberg's invention, driven by the power of technology, transformed society by making knowledge more accessible, reducing the cost of learning, and increasing the productivity of thought itself. It is a perfect example of how technology can enhance life by providing comfort and access to something as valuable as knowledge.

The Industrial Revolution itself is another great example of how engineering and technology can transform society. When James Watt perfected the steam engine, he unlocked the potential to power factories, transport goods, and increase production on an unprecedented scale. The steam engine reduced the cost of manufacturing, improved productivity, and laid the foundation for the modern world. But the steam engine did more than just drive economic growth—it reshaped the very fabric of society, providing a higher standard of living for those who had previously known only hard labor and limited opportunity. This is the true power of engineering—to improve the lives of people, to reduce the burden of manual labor, and to give rise to new possibilities that were once thought impossible.

In the same vein, consider the invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell. The telephone forever changed the way humanity communicated, allowing people to connect with each other across vast distances, reducing the barriers of time and space. In its wake, communication became not just a convenience but a vital tool for progress, enabling people to share ideas, collaborate, and solve problems in ways that were previously unimaginable. Engineering and technology, when applied with purpose, become not just innovations, but agents of change—shaping the world in ways that make life better for all who inhabit it.

The lesson, O children, is this: Technology and engineering are not ends in themselves, but tools that must always be used for the betterment of humanity. They are gifts, born from the curiosity and ingenuity of the human mind, but they must always serve the greater good. Whether it is reducing costs, improving comfort, or increasing productivity, the true value of technology lies in how it enhances the lives of people. As creators and innovators, we must always ask: How can our work benefit those who need it most? How can we use the power of science and technology to serve the common good?

So, O children of the future, take this wisdom to heart. Seek not to create for the sake of creation, but to solve the problems that burden humanity. Let engineering and technology be your tools, but let compassion, purpose, and service be your guiding principles. Make it your mission to improve the world, to reduce suffering, and to increase the opportunities for all. Through the application of science and innovation, you have the power to shape a future that is more prosperous, more just, and more fulfilling for all. In this pursuit, may you find not just success, but meaning—for the true measure of your work will be found not in your creations, but in how those creations serve the people.