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About this quote

What does it mean?
The sole purpose of science is to add value or provide useful results.
In plain terms
Science must give something back.
What can you take from it?
Focus science on tangible contributions.

Where it applies

  • research
  • academia
  • policy

Putting it to work

  • prioritize applied research
  • measure impact

Questions to consider

  • What contribution does your work make?
  • Is utility the only goal of science?

Another view

Basic research without immediate contribution is still vital for discovery.

More from Bertolt Brecht

  1. Andrea: 'Unhappy is the land that breeds no hero.' Galileo: 'No, Andrea: Unhappy is the land that needs a hero.'

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  2. What they could do with round here is a good war. What else can you expect with peace running wild all over the place? You know what the trouble with peace is?…

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  3. The world of knowledge takes a crazy turn When teachers themselves are taught to learn.

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