Actually, the reason this struck a chord with me was because when I was teaching basic programming at Novi High School (night school), I was often asked, "What good is this going to do me?" or "When will I ever use this?" And I would answer in a similar fashion to Neil's response.
Aliens visiting Earth? Neil and I are waiting for crisp digital photographs/videos and of course DNA samples from trusted labs around the world.
Another great episode with Neil deGrasse Tyson, talking on a variety of topics.
