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Science, by itself, provides no panacea for individual, social, and economic ills. It can be effective in the national welfare only as a member of a team, whether the conditions be peace or war. But without scientific progress no amount of achievement in other directions can insure our health, prosperity, and security as a nation in the modern world.

Vannevar Bush#47

SciencePolicySocietyHealthSolutionsWelfare

About this quote

What does it mean?
Bush repeats that science isn't a cure-all but is indispensable for national welfare when integrated into broader societal efforts.
In plain terms
Science can't fix everything alone but is necessary for health and security.
What can you take from it?
Science must be part of a collective effort to solve societal problems.

Where it applies

  • crisis management
  • policy planning
  • public health

Putting it to work

  • strategic planning
  • resource allocation
  • scientific integration

Questions to consider

  • Why is science not enough on its own?
  • How do we integrate science into policy?

Another view

Reliance on science alone can ignore social or political factors.

More from Vannevar Bush

  1. Advances in science when put to practical use mean more jobs, higher wages, shorter hours, more abundant crops, more leisure for recreation, for study, for lea…

    Permalink to quote #46
  2. The publicly and privately supported colleges, universities, and research institutes are the centers of basic research. They are the wellsprings of knowledge a…

    Permalink to quote #48
  3. On the wisdom with which we bring science to bear in the war against disease, in the creation of new industries, and in the strengthening of our Armed Forces d…

    Permalink to quote #45

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