Paul Erdos

[V8S]

I'm reading a book at the mo about this unbelievable mathematician. What strikes me with the theorems being outlined in the book are that many of the great mathematicians have essentially wasted their lives proving mostly banal problems set by themselves.

Now, I understand that some of these proofs have led to advances but it shines through in the book that maths geniuses are often proud that their work is useless. Maths for maths sake in essence.

So, is there any point in working a whole life time and being paid by the state or by academic institutions to come up with solutions that will, mostly, never benefit anyone.

Personally I feel that it's worth the money in case something awesome turns up, but perhaps there are others here who feel otherwise and can make a good point?

I suppose this could encompass any scientific research that shows no benefit in the medium term.

[Eric Mc]

Pure research without obvious commercial spinoff is absolutely CRUCIAL for mankind.

Looking into something with a view to achieving some sort of obvious material benefit isn far too restrictive.

[rocksteadyeddie]

The beauty of academics - and especially the really clever ones - is that they are cheap. If they do come up with something there is a good chance it will be game-changing and therefore worth a fortune. Let them timker I say.

[Parsnip]

Don't know why, but for some reason this thread made me think of Tommy Erdos. That is all.