Cutting off fundamental, curiosity-driven science is like eating the seed corn. We may have a little more to eat next winter but what will we plant so we and our children will have enough to get through the winters to come?

Summary

This quote highlights the importance of investing in fundamental, curiosity-driven scientific research. It argues that neglecting such research is comparable to consuming the seed corn - while it may provide immediate gains, it overlooks the need to sow and cultivate for sustainable future growth. In the context of science, this means that without supporting basic scientific inquiry, we may have short-term benefits, but we risk hindering our ability to make significant progress and ensure enough knowledge to tackle future challenges effectively. It emphasizes the need for long-term vision and investment in scientific exploration to secure a prosperous future for ourselves and future generations.

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