• artifex@lemmy.zip
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    9 months ago

    He probably would have figured it out had he had time to evolve into Megahertz.

  • shutz@lemmy.ca
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    9 months ago

    Faraday, after demonstrating how moving a magnet through a coiled wire induced a current in the wire was asked by a visiting statesman what was the use of this.

    Faraday responded, “In twenty years, you will be taxing it”

    Similarly, at a demonstration of hot air balloons in France, Benjamin Franklin was asked “Of what use is this?”

    Franklin replied, “Of what use is a newborn baby?”

  • yesman@lemmy.world
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    9 months ago

    If you think about it, almost all computer-technology is radio. Wifi, bluetooth, GPS, radar, and cellular are literally radio. Meanwhile everything else runs on transistor tech developed and refined… for radios.

    Our modern economy couldn’t exist if people like Hertz and Maxwell didn’t get to toy with their useless hobbies. But we can’t rely on the curiosity of the leisure class anymore. Basic research is expensive, necessary, and a public good. I’m afraid that the Trump regime has already spoiled the secret sauce that makes America the technology leader of the world.