I want to die proud of having been an engineer. Since that can happen only if we engineers behave ethically, and since I see a connection between this book and gracious professionalism, I am very enthusiastic about Dr. Whitbeck's effort to help us think effectively and somewhat pragmatically about professional ethics. Everyone, professionals in particular, must expect ethically complex situations to arise. When that happens, each of us badly needs a self-image that includes conviction that our intellect and heart can help make choices that will dramatically affect the course of events. That point of view will not materialize out of the ether. It must be nurtured and encouraged. This book will help seasoned professionals clarify their approach to their own behaviors, and this book can profoundly affect those who face a messy situation for the first time.

Caroline's arguments penetrate some of the fog around ethics. Most people think of it as an obscure topic belonging to an elite few who can spend their lives in deep and abstract thought. Even many professors of engineering regard ethics as a somewhat untouchable topic. “Students will never listen! Why waste our time and theirs?” Several have argued that post–high school is too late to influence students' proclivity to behave in society's best interest. I strongly disagree. Since I have spent most of my teaching career encouraging students to trust their own creative abilities, I have developed a thick skin about comments like, “You cannot teach creativity!” I do not debate that assertion.