Samuel Charles Florman (1925–2024) was an American civil engineer, general contractor, and author who dedicated much of his career to exploring the intersection of technology, engineering, and human culture. Born in 1925, Florman built a professional career in construction, eventually serving as the Chairman of the Kreisler Borg Florman General Construction Company based in Scarsdale, New York. Alongside his practical work in the building industry, he established himself as a prominent literary voice advocating for the humanistic side of engineering.
Florman is best known for his insightful writings and speeches that championed engineering professionalism, ethics, and the integration of liberal arts into technical education. His most celebrated work, The Existential Pleasures of Engineering, published in 1976, became a modern classic in its field. The book argued against the anti-technology sentiments of the era, celebrating the creative and deeply satisfying nature of engineering work. Over his lifetime, he authored seven books, concluding with his 2012 memoir, Good Guys, Wiseguys and Putting Up Buildings: A Life in Construction.
In recognition of his contributions to the field, Florman was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1995. His election honored his literary efforts to advance engineering ethics and promote a well-rounded, liberal education for engineers. He passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy that bridged the gap between the sciences and the humanities.
