How we cite our quotes: (Part.Sentence)
Quote #1
We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together. (IV. 17-18)
This quote is a great motivation for supporting education in whatever way possible. Because if the only thing that can guide the mammoth industrial "machinery of defense" is a "knowledgeable" citizenry, then America could very well be in a mammoth heap of trouble. Present company excepted, of course.
Quote #2
Akin to, and largely responsible for the sweeping changes in our industrial-military posture, has been the technological revolution during recent decades.
In this revolution, research has become central; it also becomes more formalized, complex, and costly. A steadily increasing share is conducted for, by, or at the direction of, the Federal government. (IV. 19-21)
Has government funding of research and development been a net positive or negative? On one hand, there are some big complicated studies that don't have much profit potential but are still important in one way or another and need funding. OTOH, if these studies aren't well-designed or don't show financial accountability, there could be a whole lot of wasted R&D money.
Quote #3
Today, the solitary inventor, tinkering in his shop, has been over shadowed by task forces of scientists in laboratories and testing fields. In the same fashion, the free university, historically the fountainhead of free ideas and scientific discovery, has experienced a revolution in the conduct of research. Partly because of the huge costs involved, a government contract becomes virtually a substitute for intellectual curiosity. For every old blackboard there are now hundreds of new electronic computers.
The prospect of domination of the nation's scholars by Federal employment, project allocations, and the power of money is ever present and is gravely to be regarded.
Yet, in holding scientific research and discovery in respect, as we should, we must also be alert to the equal and opposite danger that public policy could itself become the captive of a scientific-technological elite. (IV. 22-27)
Ike sounds nostalgic for the days of Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla. But think about Sergei and Larry, Jobs and Woz—all slaving away in their California garages back in the day. Oh, wait; think about Apple and Google. We get it, Ike.