The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge | Robbert Dijkgraaf | Talks at Google

TL;DR

The talk focuses on the importance of basic research, highlighting the role it plays in society, the need for curiosity and imagination, and the potential risks and challenges faced by the scientific community.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] RICHARD: Hi, welcome to Talks at Google in Cambridge, Massachusetts. And today, I'm delighted to introduce a two-for-one topic. First is Abraham Flexner, who's a person that I think we should all know better, the first director of the Institute at Princeton and one of the people responsible for bringing Albert Einstein to this count... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥺 Basic research plays a crucial role in society, leading to new discoveries, advancements, and innovations.
• 👨‍🔬 Curiosity and imagination are essential for scientific research, as they drive exploration and the pursuit of knowledge.
• 😀 The scientific community faces challenges such as limited funding and a need for greater public support and understanding.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is basic research important?

Basic research allows for the exploration of unknown territories, leading to new discoveries and advancements in various fields. It also helps build knowledge and provides a foundation for applied research.

Q: What are some examples of the benefits of basic research?

Basic research has led to significant developments in fields such as quantum mechanics, life sciences, and material sciences. For example, discoveries in quantum mechanics have paved the way for advancements in technologies like integrated circuits and nanomaterials.

Q: What are the challenges faced by the scientific community?

One challenge is the lack of funding and support for basic research, which can limit the ability of scientists to pursue their curiosity and explore new avenues of knowledge. Additionally, there is a need to bridge the gap between science and society and create a better understanding of the scientific method and its importance.

Q: How can society determine the amount of funding and support for research?

This is a complex issue, and a serious discussion is needed to determine the appropriate allocation of resources for research. It is important to consider the long-term benefits and the economic impact of research, as well as the need to support curiosity-driven exploration.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker discusses Abraham Flexner, the first director of the Institute at Princeton, and the author of an essay on the usefulness of useless knowledge.

• Flexner's essay, published in 1939, explored the role of basic research and its relevance, even during times of crisis.

• The speaker also highlights the importance of curiosity and imagination in scientific research and the potential dangers and benefits of basic research.