On the Rewards (and, Alas, Frustrations) of Public Service [1968]

Over four decades-my entire professional life in fact-devoted to basic research and education in the employ of federal and state governments1 affords some grounds for reflecting on that aspect of public service. Since inadequate information has fostered much of current, generally unfavorable, attitudes about working for the government, I believe that public professionals, especially those having favorable experiences, have a responsibility to report on these (as well as the negative ones) to their colleagues.2