4 ms·

The world would be a better place if we all had this thought process, but I could never have this perspective. Even when I first read your comment, my gut reac

by toolz 11y ago

The world would be a better place if we all had this thought process, but I could never have this perspective. Even when I first read your comment, my gut reaction was disgust. It took me a moment to reflect and even then I know I couldn't condition myself to think like this. I crave external approval and as much as scientists might think of themselves, the world at large see's you as a tool used by politicians and entrepreneurs. Thanks for being able to have a healthy perspective and I hope you can convince more people to do the same.

TeMPOraL 11y ago
I also am having hard time getting this perspective, but not for the love of money. On the contrary, being employed usually cuts down my effectiveness compared to doing the same task out of my own volition. In other words, I hate work, but I'll gladly do the same thing for free - if someone took care of bullshit concerns like having a warm meal and a decent place to sleep for myself and my younger siblings who are still in education. I believe lots of science-minded folks think the same - they'd love to do reasearch, but maybe they want to start a family, or maybe they have parents to support, or maybe they don't feel like being someone's slave labor.
wfo 11y ago
I'm pretty sure his post was dripping with sarcasm.
- d4rti 11y ago
  I'd agree - I'd bet more people know the name Steve Jobs than Bill Buxton.
selimthegrim 11y ago
Er, he has posted elsewhere about advising his brother to take the money and go to Wall Street instead of doing science. Personlly, I was disgusted as well (and I'm a scientist).
cryoshon 11y ago
The monetary rewards need to increase, but here's another perspective regarding your comment on the world seeing scientists as tools. Scientists discovered the elements, the atom, DNA, semiconductors, etc-- beyond money or fame, these were tangible huge advancements for mankind. To follow in those footsteps and stand on the shoulders of those giants is rewarding.
eli_gottlieb 11y ago
>as much as scientists might think of themselves, the world at large see's you as a tool used by politicians and entrepreneurs. Just who the hell do you think we are?

by toolz 11y ago

TeMPOraL 11y ago

I also am having hard time getting this perspective, but not for the love of money. On the contrary, being employed usually cuts down my effectiveness compared to doing the same task out of my own volition. In other words, I hate work, but I'll gladly do the same thing for free - if someone took care of bullshit concerns like having a warm meal and a decent place to sleep for myself and my younger siblings who are still in education. I believe lots of science-minded folks think the same - they'd love to do reasearch, but maybe they want to start a family, or maybe they have parents to support, or maybe they don't feel like being someone's slave labor.

wfo 11y ago

I'm pretty sure his post was dripping with sarcasm.

d4rti 11y ago
I'd agree - I'd bet more people know the name Steve Jobs than Bill Buxton.

selimthegrim 11y ago

Er, he has posted elsewhere about advising his brother to take the money and go to Wall Street instead of doing science. Personlly, I was disgusted as well (and I'm a scientist).

cryoshon 11y ago

The monetary rewards need to increase, but here's another perspective regarding your comment on the world seeing scientists as tools. Scientists discovered the elements, the atom, DNA, semiconductors, etc-- beyond money or fame, these were tangible huge advancements for mankind. To follow in those footsteps and stand on the shoulders of those giants is rewarding.

eli_gottlieb 11y ago

>as much as scientists might think of themselves, the world at large see's you as a tool used by politicians and entrepreneurs. Just who the hell do you think we are?