Rube Goldberg (left, 1883–1970) was famous for illustrating preposterous machines that performed ridiculously simple tasks. Incorporating wheels, gears, pulleys, pails — even animals — Goldberg, who graduated in 1904, commented on both the onslaught of technology and people’s increasing dependence on it. While working in several “humiliating and low-paying jobs,” Scott Adams M.B.A. ’86 (right) created a comic strip during his off-hours starring Dilbert, a mash-up of his former coworkers. Dilbert became the satirical voice of white-collar America and is one of the most successful syndicated comic strips in history. See the daily Dilbert on Twitter @DailyDilbert.