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About this quote

What does it mean?
Bush argues science must work collaboratively within society to ensure national welfare, yet remains essential for security.
In plain terms
Science needs to be part of a team to help society, but is vital for progress.
What can you take from it?
Science is essential for national welfare but requires collaboration to succeed.

Where it applies

  • government policy
  • public health
  • national defense

Putting it to work

  • interdisciplinary teams
  • science policy
  • public investment

Questions to consider

  • How do we balance science and other societal needs?
  • What role should science play in war?

Another view

Scientific progress without ethical oversight can harm welfare.

More from Vannevar Bush

  1. The applications of science have built man a well-supplied house, and are teaching him to live healthily therein. They have enabled him to throw masses of peop…

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  2. The responsibility for the creation of new scientific knowledge - and for most of its application - rests on that small body of men and women who understand th…

    Permalink to quote #44
  3. Presumably man's spirit should be elevated if he can better review his shady past and analyze more completely and objectively his present problems. He has buil…

    Permalink to quote #41

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