I think the way I would phrase the advice is; If you are inspired or challenged by the "big" problems keep an eye on them but work on other things that are not

I think the way I would phrase the advice is; If you are inspired or challenged by the "big" problems keep an eye on them but work on other things that are not directly or obviously related but may be related. What Tao warns against is a direct assault on a big problem or theory as a career path or plan. Like expeditions up Mt. Everest, that path is littered with attempts that reached an impenetrable barrier and had to retreat or perish on the mountain. If you think you've solved a big problem then your method should also explain the failure of all the prior assaults to be credible. Also relevant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We760YM5-iM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We760YM5-iM That said, don't give up on your dream of solving big problems, someone has to do it and like Mt. Everest, every field has its Ark of the Convenant or Holy Grail that challenges and inspires its members. If you are a genius all bets are off and don't listen to me or Tao ;-)