The Decline of 'Thinkers' in Science: A Call for 'Little Science'

This article explores the distinction between science and technology, highlighting the current imbalance in the scientific community—a surplus of 'doers' and a deficit of 'thinkers.' The author argues that while 'doers' like Elon Musk excel at leveraging existing technology, scientific progress demands 'thinkers' capable of groundbreaking innovation. The post-WWII era of 'Big Science,' while yielding remarkable achievements, has also led to institutional sclerosis and decreased innovation, the author contends. A return to 'Little Science,' fostering individual exploration and curiosity-driven research, is advocated to create more space for 'thinkers' and ensure the continued advancement of science.