We must not forget that when radium was discovered no one knew that it would prove useful in hospitals. The work was one of pure science. And this is a proof that scientific work must not be considered from the point of view of the direct usefulness of it. It must be done for itself, for the beauty of science, and then there is always the chance that a scientific discovery may become like the radium a benefit for humanity.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the importance of pursuing scientific research for the sake of knowledge and understanding, rather than solely focusing on immediate practical applications. The discovery and subsequent usefulness of radium in hospitals serves as an example of how scientific work can have unforeseen long-term benefits for society. It highlights the idea that scientific exploration should be driven by curiosity and the pursuit of beauty in science, as this mindset may lead to unexpected breakthroughs that can ultimately benefit humanity.

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