Engineering is a pursuit and discipline that has far more in common with ethics than mathematics. An excellent engineer is responsible for efficiency and success, yes, but more important is their ability to reconcile two conflicting value systems.

Consider the igloo. If you’re exposed in the tundra, perhaps you might build a snow and ice dome to stay warm. “Warmth” is a value system. But stepping inside, you realize it’s too dark. It turns out that the ability to see is also a value system. Perhaps the solution is to carve a window. But now it’s cold again. We have a conflict of values.

Insulated panes of glass are the engineered solution that brings these two value systems out of conflict. Excellent engineers orthogonalize value systems, so more people can have their cake and eat it too.

Focus on understanding what currently is the case and why that might be, before thinking about coming up with an “ought” and an action plan. And even so, David Hume’s is-ought problem simply cannot be bridged except, partially, through theology—and even then, not completely.

Possibility and industry are different from the pursuit of aims and objectives, and all of them are contingent on understanding the now. Gain your bearings, and never forget the value of situational awareness.

For empiricists and data-driven cultures, articulating the goal and moving toward it never overrides humility. Nothing is certain in science; the aim itself is what is important. Anything learned by observing and experiencing the world cannot be known for certain, but it’s a good start.

To paraphrase Donald Rumsfeld, know what you know, what you don’t know, and be prepared for what you don’t know you don’t know.

Narratives are often crafted to wield political or social power, and often involve exaggerations or untruths. Know how to separate rhetorical hyperbole from true lies, and beware narrative-spinners who have no respect for truth or facts. These are the people who are interested only in themselves.

Specific and precise language can be very helpful to aid communication, but using it to be exclusionary is asking for trouble. Better to define concepts early and often to ensure shared understanding and communication.

To pity somebody is to hold them in decidedly low regard; avoid this at all costs. There are few things more insidiously degrading than expressing pity when one could offer compassion, sympathy, and elevation. Avoid looking at others with concern when you could be lending a hand instead. See a spill? Grab a mop.