science: handmaiden of freedom 



ways determined primarily by die scientific community itself. 

 We reject a philosophy that emphasizes more dependence upon 

 a centralized approach and direction. Regimented research 

 would be, for us, catastrophe. 



The progress and growth of America depends upon many 

 qualities of our people. Clearly these include curiosity, imagi- 

 nation, educational preparedness, and tireless stamina. Without 

 these we could not be a people of true creative genius. We must 

 search out the talented individual and cultivate in all American 

 life a heightened appreciation of the importance of excellence 

 and high standards, not only in specialized fields but in indi- 

 vidual dimensions of diversity as well. 



It is very much worth noting Tocqueville's comment of 

 one hundred twenty-five years ago, in some notes just published 

 for the first time, that what makes the American such an intelli- 

 gent citizen is that he does a little of everything. This he 

 thought was an important reason for superiority of the Ameri- 

 can in the ordinary business of life and the government of 

 society. 



But while today we require a high degree of specialization, 

 it remains vitally important for the specialist in every field to 

 understand that his first responsibility to himself and to his 

 country is to be a good citizen. Above all, the specialist must 

 comprehend how his own work fits in effectively in promoting 

 the national welfare. 



Government Financial Support 



Twenty years ago, federal support of science was about 

 one hundred million dollars annually. Today, this annual in- 

 vestment, by the federal government, in applied and basic 

 research, together with pilot development, has grown to over 

 five billion dollars. A large fraction of these federal funds is 

 spent in laboratories owned and operated by private groups. 



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