Quote:My question is, what is the point of the new sciences like astrophysics, quantum physics, etc. when the discoveries the research yields are so arcane that it doesn't even matter to anyone or change anything or help anyone?
This reminds me of the story (probably apocryphal, since a similar story is told of Benjamin Franklin) of Michael Faraday and Queen Victoria. It seems that HRH was being given a tour of Faraday's laboratory, where the scientist patiently explained his work in electromagnetism. The tour culminated in Faraday's demonstration of his dynamo. Her Royal Imperiosity said, 'It is all very interesting, but of what use is it?'
Faraday, without hesitation, asked the queen, 'Madam, of what use is a newborn baby?'
True or not, the story points up something which as always been the case in science: what you discover or invent today may have little practical or immediate use, but you grandchildren are going to love you for it, because you found out something that made their lives easier.
Even on the off chance that research into quantum- or astrophysics never yields any practical results, so what? We are a curious species (always have been) and knowledge, like virtue, is its own reward.
Boru
‘I can’t be having with this.’ - Esmeralda Weatherwax
