The Quest of the One Best Way

by Lillian Moller Gilbreth

To most of us, life is to some extent a quest, whether we acknowledge it, or even know it, or not. Most of us seek for numerous easily attained things - a good time; money enough to buy some small specific thing that we fancy we need or would like; - a passing interest or excitement. Some of us seek for a few great things - also attainable, but hard to get. A fortune. Fame. The durable satisfaction of life. A few of us seek for one thing only, and that apparently forever unattainable. These few are those who dedicate their lives to a Quest. Such are the explores, who push on and on seeking new countries and new marvels. Such are the treasure seekers, looking for real of rainbow gold. Such are the philosophers, searching out ultimate truths. Such are the astronomers, scanning the heavens for records of the universe. These are the seekers! Let us follow one such in his Quest - A Twentieth Century Adventure!

Genres: Nonfiction

64 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1973

About the author

Lillian Evelyn Moller Gilbreth (May 24, 1878 – January 2, 1972) was an American psychologist and industrial engineer. One of the first working female engineers holding a Ph.D., she is arguably the first true industrial/organizational psychologist. She and her husband Frank Bunker Gilbreth, Sr. were efficiency experts who contributed to the study of industrial engineering in fields such as motion study and human factors. The books Cheaper by the Dozen and Belles on Their Toes (written by their children Ernestine and Frank Jr.) are the story of their family life with their twelve children, and describe how they applied their interest in time and motion study to the organization and daily activities of such a large family.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having read Cheaper by the Dozen multiple times, I was interested in reading more about Frank Gilbreth's life. This biography was written in a style that I found difficult to read, and I can't say I got much out of it. It was probably more meaningful to its intended audience, which I assume was other engineers and motion study experts in the mid-twentieth century.

Thankfully it was short.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a personal story filled biography, reads a bit more like a resume with more detail. Super interesting if you have a good idea about the Frank Gilbreth to begin with - if not, read another book about him first so you have a foundation to build from.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this boom because it was a source the author of "Making Time" used to write her biography of Lillian Moller Gilbreth. This wasn't really written for the casual reading audience. Despite it's narrow focus it was interesting. It was worth a read just to clarify Lillian's opinions on her husband Frank (my motive for hunting this one down).

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book, but it was so private and non revealing and read like a technical manual. Not the best choice for the fan of CBTD that wants to learn more about this fascinating woman.