“Freedom is the oxygen without which science cannot breathe.”

Science, not tempered by the ennobling presence of an understanding of matters
that transcend its natural constraints, cannot be free.

I like it a lot. The analogy is sort of the next step beyond "necessity is the mother of invention". Beyond the necessities, in an atmosphere of freedom, the advancement in knowledge of science can thrive; as is averse to an atmosphere of despotic restrictions. By way of example: gasoline internal combustion engines should be getting well over 100 mpg and electricity should cost next to nothing while being generated at / from each home and business.

Knowledge is power. The ruling class built the schools, the churches, the government in order to rule a common people. Any knowledge that challenges the power structure is withheld and buried in the Catacombs. Monopolies in the fields of medicine, energy -- any science -- keep truths that threaten their power from ever being known. Eventually, they become a priestly caste, whereby any challenge is an affront to their almighty authority.

Seek the truth and the truth will set you free -- this has always been the weapon to use against the Leviathan. Their power depends on the public's confidence. The truth put into action is unstoppable.