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37In most societies, competition generally has more of a negative than a positive effect. 119When research priorities are being set for science, education, or any other area, the most important question to consider is: How many peoples lives will be improved if the results are successful? 1 能够解决目前最urgent，immediate, predicable的社会问题的学科理所当然的应给于优先权a high priority：如通信，经济，法律，环境等。因此那些研究人和相应的消费者会受益会受益的是大多数人。 For example, biotechnology research is proven to help cure and prevent diseases; advances in medical technology allow for safer, less invasive diagnosis and treatment; advances in genetics help prevent birth defects; advances in engineering and chemistry improve the structural integrity of our buildings, roads, bridges, and vehicles; information technology enables education; and communication technology facilitates global peace and participation in the democratic process. 2 是否会带来利益不应该成为衡量给于优先权的标准。如果if we strictly follow the speakers suggestion, who would decide which areas of research are more worthwhile than others?一些看起来没用的学科长期来看会有用，不能因为短期带来的利益少就放弃。如philosophy，mathematics，archeology等。更不能看着表面的利益强迫人们从事该方面的研究。to compel all researchers to focus only on certain areas would be to force many to waste their true talents. | 
