Today’s post is inspired by some unexpected news: a friend of mine — an engineer, no less — has just been promoted to purchasing manager.
The jokes write themselves, of course.
From designing systems to approving coffee machine quotes: a glorious arc of career evolution.
But behind the mockery lies a very real truth.
We should hand over more power to engineers.
As Bertrand Russell once quipped, “Power lies with those who control finance, not with those who know the matter upon which the money is to be spent.”
And just to be clear: he did not mean this as a compliment.
In the vast theatre of modern society, it is rarely the experts who decide.
The scientist who understands ecosystems? No say.
The doctor who knows what saves lives? Ignored.
The teacher with insight into real education? Budget slashed.
Unless they moonlight as hedge fund managers, or — dare I say — purchasing officers, their wisdom remains a quaint decoration.
Instead, we are ruled by the well-funded and the under-informed: a coalition of spreadsheet warriors, procurement potentates, and finance barons who, while often unclear on what they are buying, are very sure about discounts.
Russell’s advice?
Let them interfere as little as possible.
Their ignorance is not the problem — it is their confidence.
So congratulations to my friend: may your reign be wise, your budget generous, and your inbox merciful.
And may the rest of us dare to imagine a world where those who know are finally allowed to decide.