In "Drums of Autumn" by Diana Gabaldon, Dr. Joseph Abernathy expresses frustration at the lack of practical skills among the young engineers in his home. Despite having a gathering of impressive engineering talent from MIT, they are unable to help him repair a television. This humorous scenario highlights a generational gap and the specialization within the engineering field. Dr. Abernathy's remarks point to the irony of having smart individuals who excel in their fields yet lack basic hands-on troubleshooting skills.
His son attempts to clarify the difference between electrical and mechanical engineering, suggesting that the two disciplines are quite distinct. This exchange showcases both the father's bewilderment and the son's attempt to defend their expertise. The dialogue emphasizes the sometimes humorous disconnect between academic knowledge and practical experience, which resonates with readers who may have encountered similar situations in their own lives.