Geniuses like Albert Einstein and Marie Curie were only able to make substantial breakthroughs because the scientific and technological knowledge base had increased to an extent that was unavailable to Greek and Roman philosophers. The Greek and Roman philosophers had the ability, but not the knowledge, to predict the existence and consequences of advanced technology. Conceivably, Aristotle was smart enough to have thought of the Big Bang, but he could never have proven it. Dr. Schramm described the influence that science and technology have had on civilization. For example, without the printing press there would have been no Renaissance.
Science can, therefore, change our social and political landscapes.
Basic research can also lead to unexpected inventions with considerable economic benefits. For example, the laser was created to explore the properties and energy levels of atoms, not to play CD's, but now many of us have CD players in our homes. If the inventors of the laser had been asked to invent a better way to listen to music, they never would have invented CD's. Now the atomic clock is used in cars and has generated multi-billions of dollars. Taxes on the money generated through the use of the atomic clock could more than cover the cost of the basic research involved in its creation.