Something new doesn’t necessarily provide a value to society, for example: a new exoplanet in a distant, uninhabitable system or a gas giant orbiting a dwarf star thousands of light-years away.
There is value in simply knowing a fact that was not known before. And you never can know when that “useless fact” might lead to something you’d find “valuable.”
Learning about characteristics of any new planets: Size, temperature, chemical makeup, etc. Increases our understanding of physics or confirms our current theories. “Oh I didn’t know gas Giants could be this small!” “We’re noticing a lot more exo gas Giants then we predicted, is our measurements off? Maybe our understanding of how solar systems form is incomplete?”
This has direct impact on research on global warming or even terraforming nearby planets. And indirect impact on countless other forms of research that require a deep understanding of physics.
I say all this not to change your mind, since you seem pretty set in your ways. But more for others who might follow this thread
Well, duh? I meant that I wish we as a species valued the pure pursuit of knowledge.
I think there’s merit in learning something new, whatever that may be, and regardless of whether it will make some asshole more money.
I was being funny. 😊
And I agree with you about valuing learning for the sake of learning and not for profit.
Something new doesn’t necessarily provide a value to society, for example: a new exoplanet in a distant, uninhabitable system or a gas giant orbiting a dwarf star thousands of light-years away.
There is value in simply knowing a fact that was not known before. And you never can know when that “useless fact” might lead to something you’d find “valuable.”
Okay, so elaborate what i said provides value then.
Jesus Christ.
No.
Ok thanks.
Learning about characteristics of any new planets: Size, temperature, chemical makeup, etc. Increases our understanding of physics or confirms our current theories. “Oh I didn’t know gas Giants could be this small!” “We’re noticing a lot more exo gas Giants then we predicted, is our measurements off? Maybe our understanding of how solar systems form is incomplete?”
This has direct impact on research on global warming or even terraforming nearby planets. And indirect impact on countless other forms of research that require a deep understanding of physics.
I say all this not to change your mind, since you seem pretty set in your ways. But more for others who might follow this thread
No, you changed my mind. Appreciate your elaboration!