Found vs. Engineered

I’m a guest at a Boston Harbor Angels meeting this morning. Listening to a nanomaterials company present, I’m struck with the realization that most of the materials we use in everyday life were found–things humans discovered in nature–as opposed to engineered.

There are two big exceptions to this: alloys (mixtures of found materials) and plastics. Therefore, a simple way to look at the promise of nanotech is to think about the way alloys and plastics have changed our lives.

I can’t help but remember The Graduate.

Mr. McGuire: I want to say one word to you. Just one word.
Benjamin: Yes, sir.
Mr. McGuire: Are you listening?
Benjamin: Yes, I am.
Mr. McGuire: Plastics.