How Long to Read The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge

How Long Does it Take to Read The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge?

It takes the average reader 1 hour and 45 minutes to read The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge by Abraham Flexner

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

A short, provocative book about why "useless" science often leads to humanity's greatest technological breakthroughs A forty-year tightening of funding for scientific research has meant that resources are increasingly directed toward applied or practical outcomes, with the intent of creating products of immediate value. In such a scenario, it makes sense to focus on the most identifiable and urgent problems, right? Actually, it doesn't. In his classic essay "The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge," Abraham Flexner, the founding director of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton and the man who helped bring Albert Einstein to the United States, describes a great paradox of scientific research. The search for answers to deep questions, motivated solely by curiosity and without concern for applications, often leads not only to the greatest scientific discoveries but also to the most revolutionary technological breakthroughs. In short, no quantum mechanics, no computer chips. This brief book includes Flexner's timeless 1939 essay alongside a new companion essay by Robbert Dijkgraaf, the Institute's current director, in which he shows that Flexner's defense of the value of "the unobstructed pursuit of useless knowledge" may be even more relevant today than it was in the early twentieth century. Dijkgraaf describes how basic research has led to major transformations in the past century and explains why it is an essential precondition of innovation and the first step in social and cultural change. He makes the case that society can achieve deeper understanding and practical progress today and tomorrow only by truly valuing and substantially funding the curiosity-driven "pursuit of useless knowledge" in both the sciences and the humanities.

How long is The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge?

The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge by Abraham Flexner is 104 pages long, and a total of 26,416 words.

This makes it 35% the length of the average book. It also has 32% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 2 hours and 24 minutes to read The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge aloud.

What Reading Level is The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge?

The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge is suitable for students ages 10 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge?

The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge by Abraham Flexner is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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