What? VLSI, VHDL, Multics, Hypertext, GaAs semiconductors, autonomous navigation, GPS, and packet switched networking were a few things they funded. Totally absurd, right? For every successful tech, they probably explored scores that didn't pan out. Basic, high risk research has huge payoffs across society even if you don't like who's funding it or why.

So true. I read once that fundamental physics research on quantum tunnelling in Japan resulted in antennas that immediately reduced satellite dish sizes from meters across to the size of a dinner plate. Now you can connect with a modern smart phone.

I think that was the point.

While we all communicate using TCP/IP, invented as a DARPA program for robust communication in the event of nuclear conflict...

It's an urban legend. ARPANET was an overgrown university network.

And TCP/IP was one of many potential standard protocols

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protocol_Wars

The Register used to make fun of DARPA, saying things like “where every laugh is a mad cackle.”