The Danger of Ego and Outdated Knowledge in Tech

By Saroj K Joshi, PE, PhD

As stated above, the subject applies globally.

The Danger of Acting Without In Depth Knowledge

Do not fall into the “actor” category. These are individuals who have limited understanding, rely on outdated knowledge, yet present themselves as experts.

Remember Steve Jobs’ words: “Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”

A Worst Case Example of How Lack of In Depth Knowledge and Ego Can Influence Engineering Decisions

Chernobyl Accident Example

Anatoly Dyatlov, Deputy Chief Engineer, ignored repeated safety warnings and continued the test despite operators’ concerns. It is also possible that pressure from senior leadership influenced the decision to proceed. However, even under such pressure, a responsible engineer must be willing to make an independent safety decision, even if it risks their position, because life safety and protection of property must always come first.

Had the test been stopped, the disaster could likely have been prevented.

This example highlights the importance of listening to experienced professionals, respecting technical concerns, and understanding the consequences of engineering decisions. In high risk industries, protecting people and property must always take priority over schedules, authority, or organizational pressure.

The Importance of Continuous Learning and Competence

A little knowledge can be dangerous. This is especially true in technology, engineering, and other specialized industries, where incomplete or outdated knowledge can create serious risks.

Licenses and credentials alone do not guarantee competence. If a person lacks the required knowledge and judgment, the risk remains the same.

Unsafe decisions must be challenged and corrected before they create serious consequences.

The Three Categories of Professionals

In the technology and MEP industries, I see three categories of professionals: the brilliant, the average, and what I call “actors.”

Actors are individuals who know very little or depend on outdated information but behave as if they know everything. They can be extremely dangerous because our work directly affects life safety and the protection of our clients’ valuable property.

Failing to challenge or stop such behavior makes us part of the problem.

My suggestion is simple: commit to continuous learning, maintain professional competence, respect expertise, and understand the responsibility that comes with working in high risk industries.

Knowledge, humility, and continuous improvement are the foundation of safe and successful engineering.

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