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Description
The Usefulness of Useless KnowledgeCondition: BRAND NEW ISBN: 9780691174761 Format: Trade binding Year: 2017 Publisher: Princeton University Press Description: A short, provocative book about why "useless" science often leads to humanity's greatest technological breakthroughs A forty year tightening of funding for scientific research has meant that resources are increasingly directed toward applied or practical outcomes, with the intent of creating products of immediate value. In such
Condition: BRAND NEWISBN: 9780691174761
Format: Trade binding
Year: 2017
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Description:
A short, provocative book about why "useless" science often leads to humanity's greatest technological breakthroughs A forty-year tightening of funding for scientific research has meant that resources are increasingly directed toward applied or practical outcomes, with the intent of creating products of immediate value. In such a scenario, it makes sense to focus on the most identifiable and urgent problems, right? Actually, it doesn't. In his classic essay "The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge," Abraham Flexner, the founding director of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton and the man who helped bring Albert Einstein to the United States, describes a great paradox of scientific research. The search for answers to deep questions, motivated solely by curiosity and without concern for applications, often leads not only to the greatest scientific discoveries but also to the most revolutionary technological breakthroughs. In short, no quantum mechanics, no computer chips.
This brief book includes Flexner's timeless 1939 essay alongside a new companion essay by Robbert Dijkgraaf, the Institute's current director, in which he shows that Flexner's defense of the value of "the unobstructed pursuit of useless knowledge" may be even more relevant today than it was in the early twentieth century. Dijkgraaf describes how basic research has led to major transformations in the past century and explains why it is an essential precondition of innovation and the first step in social and cultural change. He makes the case that society can achieve deeper understanding and practical progress today and tomorrow only by truly valuing and substanti
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★★★★★ 5
BUY IT! YOU’LL LOVE IT!!
Size: Twin/Twin XL, Color: Caramel
LOVE IT! The comfort, the color, strong but cozy! Don’t usually leave feedback but had to for this!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2026
★★★★★ 4
Great Pillow! Could use some improvements
We really like this pillow! It is a good firmness, and helps fill the gap that is often between our headboard and mattress.
Only complain is that almost all of the buttons have fallen off. We have had this for about 2 months.
You also can’t take the cover off of it to clean, which would be a nice feature.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Pretty, but very practical.
Size: Full, Color: Mint Green
The color was exactly what I expected from the photo. It arrived in an unbelievably small package, but expanded quickly once I opened the bag. I waited the recommended 24 hours to be sure it was done. I am pleased that the length is a perfect fit, and I like that it comes up to the back of my neck when I'm sitting in bed. It is a bit softer than I originally imagined, but not so soft that I feel like I'm sinking through it. It's very pleasantly supportive. The fabric is like a soft ribbed corduroy with piping along the outer seam. It looks nice. Both ends have a pocket that is barely noticeable, but is the perfect size to keep your phone close by. I'm temporarily homebound and spending a lot of time sitting in bed, so I'm very glad I invested in this pillow for comfort and convenience. If you ever have trouble with pillows working their way under the edge of the headboard, and into the dusty space between the headboard and the wall, consider this problem solved.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Measure your bed and space, I did and ordered the perfect fit!
Size: Queen, Color: Navy
Love this wedge pillow. I bought it for our boat stateroom bed. It fits perfectly as beds on a boat are always odd sizes. It is very comfortable allows me to sit up in bed to read. Also keeps our bed pillows from sliding back. Good quality, color and size.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2026
★★★★★ 4
Comfy, Supportive, and Great for Lounging in Bed
This wedge-style headboard pillow has made sitting up in bed much more comfortable. The shape offers full upper-back support, with just the right amount of firmness to keep you propped upright without feeling stiff. It’s especially helpful for reading or watching shows in bed, and it stays in place well against a flat headboard.
The purple color is rich and vibrant in person, and the removable cover is soft to the touch with a smooth finish. We really appreciated that the cover zips off easily and can be machine washed—it held its shape and color after laundering. The pillow also has a nice weight to it, so it doesn’t feel flimsy or slide down easily.
This is a great addition for anyone who likes spending time sitting up in bed, whether for reading, working, or relaxing. It also doubles nicely as a decorative accent when the bed is made. The quality feels solid, and the size works well across the width of a queen bed without overwhelming the space. Id say it is ok for the price. It does retain warmth though
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Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2025