4 ms·
> What's the payoff here? Personal happiness? It's also more than short-sighted to assume that just because there is no immediately obvious overall benefit, th
by qayxc 2y ago
> What's the payoff here?
Personal happiness? It's also more than short-sighted to assume that just because there is no immediately obvious overall benefit, that no such thing exists.
The techniques and insights developed and found during the pursuit of such fundamental and elusive problems can have profound side effects that may materialize only decades or even centuries later.
- mywittyname 2y agoRight. Why is it a smart person should be expected to use their capabilities for "the betterment of humanity"? There's a level of entitlement that goes with statements like that.
- reaperman 2y agoIt might be worth flipping the question and asking what we can do to entice smart people to use their powers for the betterment of society!
- messe 2y agoWould you also ask "what could we do to entice artists away from art to instead use their powers for the betterment of society?"
- generic92034 2y agoOne could voice the opinion that ("good") art is already a means for betterment of society. ;)
- reaperman 2y agoI think we already do pressure artists into “productive” work - it’s very hard to make a living as an artist. I personally would like more art around my life!
- sn9 2y agoCuriosity-driven basic research is the most reliable way of bettering society in unpredictably transformative ways.