J.M. Ziman wrote in 1962: "It is typical of modern physicists that they will erect skyscrapers of theory upon the slender foundations of outrageously simplified

J.M. Ziman wrote in 1962: "It is typical of modern physicists that they will erect skyscrapers of theory upon the slender foundations of outrageously simplified models." I guess it is only a matter of time before the proverbial skyscraper collapses. I have had first hand experience with publishing papers of decreasing relevance. It's almost always due to professors being unwilling to give up their mental model of reality. I had one professor tell me he would not let me publish my result because it contradicted a paper he wrote in the late 70s. It was the grossest violation of the spirit and purpose of science I've encountered, and it quickly turned me off from the whole institution. Egos in academia are often unchecked.