Couldn't agree more. Obsession with fundamental physics as "the only way forward as a species" is absurd. Do any of our discoveries in CRISPR or check point inhibitors rely on the knowledge of the Higgs Boson or the fundamental theory? No.

Stop the obsession with quixotic physics quests. Spend the same (or more!) resources on apied science focused on climate change, pandemics, longevity, clean energy, etc. Far more rewards in that direction.