[dictum]

Somehow the first substitution makes the analogy more arrogant. Whereas the original comment ultimately refers to those who are qualified for engineering jobs ("engineers") the substitution suggested here implies the engineer mindset is only present in engineers.

If anything, I've seen more engineers shedding their engineer mindset, but that's another conversation. (Disclaimer: this side remark is not about "fake news" or the 2016 election)

[DiThi]

> the substitution suggested here implies the engineer mindset is only present in engineers.

Not at all. I've known many people with an engineer mindset that don't have a degree. And the opposite too.

[dictum]

Oh, reading it again, I agree with you. I had read your comment as if you were translating the original comment, but it's actually replacing the original terms to make the phrase more accurate.