Right now, scientists are in exactly the same position as Renaissance painters, commissioned to make the portrait the patron wants done, And if they are smart, they'll make sure their work subtly flatters the patron. Not overtly. Subtly.
In the book "State of Fear," Michael Crichton draws an analogy between contemporary scientists and Renaissance painters. He suggests that both groups create works that align with the expectations of their patrons. The implication is that scientists, like artists, sometimes adjust their findings to please those who fund their research, thereby influencing the portrayal of their work.
Crichton emphasizes the importance of subtlety in this dynamic. He advises that scientists should strive to produce work that gently complements their patrons' interests rather than overtly pandering to them. This suggests a tension between scientific integrity and the pressures of funding, highlighting how external influences can shape scientific narratives.
