[mlinsey]

"More than ever, the world needs good engineers. However, the pool of talent is shrinking not growing."

That's not all. According to Kamen: "Today's children are the first generation in which it is highly probable that their average quality of life, and education level, will be less than it was for their parents."

Are both of these statements really true worldwide? (I can see how they might be true in the United States, although I think the latter is too pessimistic even then)

[jacquesm]

Average quality of life could do with some definition.

It's a pretty broad statement. If it means getting a solid education I'm with Kamen, if it means having access to information then I don't. If it means getting food on the table then the jury is still out. It's hard to make such statements without further qualification.