Rafael Reif's MIT *Spectrum* introduction

Another thing came out recently. MIT Spectrum came out last week, and here's the quote from Rafael Reif in his introduction: "MIT, solving problems together for the benefit of mankind." That "for the benefit of mankind" is sort of an engineering definition. The scientists are not solving problems for the benefit of mankind; they're solving problems to increase human knowledge, which they say will benefit through somehow in the future in some unspecified, vague way. "MIT focuses on problem solving in service to the world. We stop worrying about boundaries between disciplines and focus instead on what it takes to solve the problem — making new tools, seeking new perspectives, inventing new solutions." They solve the problem that must be solved, not the problem that can be solved. He also talks about interdisciplinary creativity, complex challenges — remember, the school of engineering defines engineering as complex, ambiguous, uncertain problems — and bonds of mutual respect. So this ties together some of what I've been talking to you about. I didn't even prime him to say these things.