Well, not quite national security, but national strength anway.
It is a matter of grave importance that fairy tales be respected. A nation without fancy, without some romance, never did, never can, never will, hold a great place under the sun.
-Charles Dickens, from Frauds on the Fairies
The wage premium for liberal arts grads, the continuing technological edge that the U.S. still enjoys over China (despite our comparative lack of investment in research), the inventiveness of our defense programs, and the appeal of our pop culture abroad are all built on our imagination, not our efficiency.
Hat tip to The Week, November 16, 2018 for pointing out the quote.