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Time to revisit ‘The Plight of Science’

Time to revisit 'The Plight of Science' During the 1930s, Albert Einstein wrote "The Plight of Science," an essay in response to the crackdown in science in Nazi Germany: "Science, if it is to flourish, must have no practical end in view. As a general rul

During the 1930s, Albert Einstein wrote “The Plight of Science,” an essay in response to the crackdown in science in Nazi Germany:

“Science, if it is to flourish, must have no practical end in view. As a general rule, the knowledge and the methods it creates only subserves practical ends indirectly and, in many cases, not till after the lapse of several generations.

“Neglect of science leads to a subsequent dearth of intellectual workers able, in virtue of their independent outlook and judgment, to blaze new trails for industry or adapt themselves to new situations. Where science inquiry is stunted, the intellectual life of the nation dries up, which means the withering of many possibilities of future development. That is what we have to prevent.”

When you go to polls in October to vote for your Canadian government, ask yourself if Einstein’s warning reminds you of Stephen Harper’s draconian oppression of the public’s right to access uncensored scientific knowledge from our climate change, fisheries and wildlife scientists.

Bob Hayes Whitehorse