"Silverstein's book is a stark reminder that a vivid imagination is not sufficient to create a real scientific breakthrough, though sometimes it can initiate on

"Silverstein's book is a stark reminder that a vivid imagination is not sufficient to create a real scientific breakthrough, though sometimes it can initiate one. In the end, knowledge is needed, and that comes about, I have found, only through education, study," ... the means, the opportunity, the mentors and peers, the right attitude to "fit in", huge amounts of luck in a byzantine selection process, an otherwise impeccable history, the willpower to strike a balance between obsequiousness and bravado, the timing to align an original method or idea with the work of your mentors, allowing them to co-opt your work for profit and personal gain, looking good in a suit, family connections ... "and lots of experience."