I do sense, as compared with let's say the early '50s…
“I do sense, as compared with let's say the early '50s, there's somewhat more of a careerism. I don't think it's anything special to economics; it's equally true with physics or biology. A graduate education has become a more career-oriented thing, and part of that is because of the need for funding. In fact, that's a much worse problem in the natural sciences than it is in economics. So you can't even do your work in the natural sciences, particularly, and even to some extent in economics, without funding.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Academic fields increasingly prioritize careers and funding, making research dependent on external resources.
In simple terms: Research now often hinges on money and career goals.
Key Takeaway
Seek funding but maintain intellectual integrity.
Themes
academia
funding
careerism
Mood
critical
pragmatic
Type
analytical
informative
When to use this quote
- grant writing
- career planning
- research projects
- institutional policy
Key Concepts
resource dependence
disciplinary pressure
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance funding needs with scholarly curiosity?
- Can research thrive without external money?
A Different Perspective
Funding constraints can bias research topics and limit curiosity.