192 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1944 
unsuspecting moments when the subconscious mind has opportunity 
to come into its own. 
In broadcasting we have an outstanding example of an art that is 
measured by time and linked with opportunity. The listener may 
use the hours to good advantage, or he may waste them. It is the 
use to which he puts his radio set and his freedom in selection of pro- 
grams that reveals the inherent value of broadcasting. The program 
is the essence. If it brings laughter, if it stimulates thinking, or rests 
the tired mind, or keeps the listener informed and in touch with 
his fellowmen, then radio is an antidote for idleness and loneliness. 
Science is a mighty ally of freedom—its advance has brought much 
release from drudgery and from want. However, we must progress 
still further. For better machines are not all that is needed to make 
a better life. We shall have a better world only to the extent that our 
social thinking and our social progress keep pace with the advance 
of physical science. 
We are approaching the days in this struggle when the basic chal- 
lenge of the postwar years will become sharper and clearer. It isa 
challenge that will ring out to people in all walks of life, to brains 
and initiative, to cooperation of government and industry, to labor 
and management, to religion and education. The answer will be 
found in the minds and hearts of men and women intent upon preserv- 
ing civilization and a world at peace. 
In this month of Thanksgiving, let us be thankful that America and 
her Allies have the strength and determination to hold high the eternal 
torch of freedom. May the victory be a victory of lasting peace, so 
that out of the bombed and shell-torn earth will come a happier to- 
morrow for all mankind. 
