This personal history spans a half century of participation in the frontiers of applied science and engineering ranging from the nuclear weapons project of World War II, through the development of nuclear power, engineering education, and risk analysis, to today＇s energy research and development. In each of these areas, this account describes some of the exciting opportunities for technology to contribute to society＇s welfare, as well as the difficulties and constraints imposed by our society＇s institutional and political systems. The recounting of these experiences in energy research and development illustrates the importance of embracing social values, cultures, and environmental views into the technologic design of energy options. The global importance of energy in a rapidly changing and unpredictable world suggests a strategy for the future based on these experiences which emphasizes the value of applied research and development on a full spectrum of potential options.