The Research Excellence Framework is starting to ask what…
““The Research Excellence Framework is starting to ask what sorts of curiosity our culture can afford, and that scares me even more than the demise of the silly survey because it strikes at the heart of what it means to be civilised, to have instincts other than survival. If academic endeavour had always been vetted in advance for practicality, we wouldn’t have the aeroplane or the iPhone, just a better mammoth trap.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote warns that over‑emphasis on immediate practicality in research stifles curiosity, risking loss of transformative inventions.
In simple terms: Focusing only on practical value kills curiosity and big breakthroughs.
Key Takeaway
Protect curiosity in research.
Themes
innovation
curiosity
civilisation
risk
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- grant funding decisions
- academic hiring
- policy making
- public discourse
Key Concepts
practicality
risk assessment
long‑term impact
Questions to Reflect On
- How can institutions value curiosity without sacrificing relevance?
- What mechanisms protect speculative research?
A Different Perspective
Practical demands can still coexist with curiosity if balanced.