The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge

“The real enemy is the man who tries to mould the human spirit so that it will not dare to spread its wings.”

In the context of the research to policy discussions that seem to dominate the 'knowledge sector' these days, the article whose title I have borrowed for the title of this blog, published in 1939 in Harpers' magazine seems particularly appropriate. In it American educator, Abraham Flexner explores the dangerous tendency to forego pure curiosity in favour of pragmatism. You have to sign up to Harpers to read the original. But try this link for more information.

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