Attempt Quote by John Desmond Bernal
“We shall be forced to attempt planned and directed research employing hundreds of workers for many years, and this cannot be done without risking the loss of independence and originality. This is a serious and fundamental obstacle but it may be overcome in two ways.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Scientific Policy Address, 1945
Large-scale coordinated research threatens creativity but can be mitigated with safeguards.
In simple terms: Big research needs many people but risks originality.
Key Takeaway
Balance collaboration with autonomy.
Themes
science
collaboration
creativity
policy
risk
Mood
cautious
optimistic
Type
analytical
prescriptive
When to use this quote
- government research programs
- big science projects
- R&D labs
- academic collaborations
Key Concepts
systems thinking
institutional design
innovation management
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we protect independence in massive projects?
- What safeguards foster originality?
A Different Perspective
Too much control can stifle breakthrough ideas.
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