[add-sub-mul-div]

That's not just a flippant reply. The fundamental purpose of invention in our society is no longer about benefitting our lives.

If they invented consumer travel to Mars tomorrow I'd have no interest. In 2024 it would be stupid to believe the customer experience would take the form of anything better than the Star Wars hotel.

[apantel]

The “fundamental purpose of invention in our society” has been for military advantage more often than not.

[johnnyanmac]

You can call it marketing if you're really cynical. What client has more money than the government, and the budget to spend in the trillions?