"When research priorities are being set for science, education, or any other area, the most important question to consider is: How many people's lives will be improved if the results are successful?"
当研究的重点被置于科学、教育或者其他领域中时，最重要的问题就是要考虑如果研究获得成功会有多少人的生活得以改善。
I agree insofar as areas of research certain to result in immediate and significant benefits for society should continue to be a priority. Yet, strictly followed, the speaker’s recommendation would have a harmful chilling effect on research and new knowledge.
1. Admittedly, scientific research whose societal benefits are immediate, predictable, and profound should continue to be a high priority.
2. However, this is not to say that research whose benefits are less immediate or clear should be given lower priority. First of all, if we strictly follow the speaker’s suggestion, who would decide which areas of research are more worthwhile than others? Researchers cannot be left to decide.
3. Secondly, to compel all researchers to focus only on certain areas would be to force many to waste their true talents.
4. Thirdly, it is difficult to predict which research avenues will ultimately lead to the greatest contributions to society.
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