It is shown that the engineer's function, the development of an expanding productive capacity in society, may contribute to creation of a gap between production-capacity and consumption-demand. When this occurs adiversionarythat does not contribute immediately to perceived consumption-needs serves a useful purpose. It is suggested that the main driving forces of an economic system may reside in production activity rather than in consumption. A number of examples are given to demonstrate the validity of this hypothesis. These range from the monument-building programs of ancient civilizations to the modern space program. The role of export competition between nations leading to present day payments balances is shown as just another manifestation of the drive-to-produce dominating the drive-to-consume.