We shall be forced to attempt planned and directed research employing hundreds of workers for many years, and this cannot be done without risking the loss of independence and originality. This is a serious and fundamental obstacle but it may be overcome in two ways.

In this quote, John Desmond Bernal, a prominent British scientist, addresses the challenges of conducting large-scale research and innovation. He points out that undertaking planned and directed research requires substantial resources, including hundreds of workers and a significant commitment of time, often extending over many years. Bernal acknowledges that such an endeavor may come at a cost—specifically, the potential loss of independence and originality. This reflects the concern that large, organized research projects could become bureaucratic, losing the individual creativity and freedom that often spark breakthroughs in science.

The quote highlights the fundamental obstacle faced by scientific progress when it moves from individual or small-scale inquiry to more institutionalized and collaborative efforts. Bernal suggests that, while this shift is necessary for progress, it could dilute the independence of researchers and stifle the originality of their work. The risk lies in the fact that large-scale projects often require compromises, with standardization and external expectations potentially undermining the creative freedom that drives innovation.

Despite these challenges, Bernal proposes two possible ways to overcome this dilemma. Although he does not specify these solutions in the quote, it suggests that he believes there is a way to balance the need for organization and collaboration with the preservation of the core principles of independence and originality. This implies that scientific research can be structured in a way that still encourages individual innovation while benefiting from the advantages of large-scale cooperation.

Ultimately, Bernal's quote speaks to the tension between the necessity of organized research for solving complex problems and the desire to maintain the individual creativity and freedom that often lead to breakthrough discoveries. It reflects his understanding of the complexities of scientific progress, acknowledging that while collaboration and funding are vital, they must not come at the expense of the innovative spirit that fuels true scientific advancement.