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Inventors Change Our

Lives for the Better

6 Government support of innovation
has always benefited society.

Specifically, government funds
have contributed to inventions such as cell phones, electric
cars, and the Internet.

7 It’s the government’s job to improve the lives of its citizens. Inventors
do this all the time. Think about the contributions of inventors like the
illustrious Thomas Edison. Who can doubt that his light bulb made life
easier? Think of computer giants like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, whom
many revere for how they changed the world. The government should

be doing all it can to help new inventors follow in their footsteps.

Even Failures Help Inventors Learn

8 Now, some people might feel that invention is too risky a business for the
government to be involved in. Yes, most inventors do fail—at first. But failure
is a central part of the process. It is how great ideas become great products.

9 In 1967, for example, an Apollo spacecraft caught fire on the launch pad.
Three astronauts died. Inventors learned from this terrible accident. They
made improvements to the spacecraft. The improvements helped astronauts
land on the moon.

Let’s Be World Leaders!

10 Innovation in technology and science helps our country maintain its place as
a world leader. Each year, thousands of students travel here from other
lands. They come to study at our schools and universities.

11 Inventors improve the lives of everyone. Inventors help make our country
strong and prosperous. Our government must continue to invest in inventors
and their innovations.

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