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> So the truth is, the world does not need or can afford that many people researching cancer, teach and inspire the next generation. I'm amazed that you think

> So the truth is, the world does not need or can afford that many people researching cancer, teach and inspire the next generation. I'm amazed that you think that. Why do you think that science is overcrowded, and more importantly, why is that the right thing for society? How would we know if we had too few, too many or exactly the right amount of people researching the fields you mention?

netheril96 12y ago
Science is overcrowded because there are too few positions and too little funding. Despite what many similar articles suggest, there are no shortage of smart students eagerly entering these fields, wishing to advance humanity one way or another. Many leave eventually after they realize the truth---they are not needed at all. Some of them even commit suicide after they find out that they have no position in the society after years of hard work and it is too late for them to change course. I am lucky to jump out before it is too late. Perhaps that is not right. Perhaps we should call for the world governments to increase their funding. Except that is not actually feasible, given how voters across the globe consistently elect leaders who cut science spending even more. The society may be able to afford more researchers, but the voters do not want to, and politicians have no incentive to change that. Until that is changed, calling for more bright minds to stay or enter these fields are insincere at best, talent wasting, life destroying at worst.