5 ms·

On a higher level than just Stephen Wolfram, I find the practice of immediately dismissing people who are "outsiders" from academia (or from a field) disturbing

by nscalf 6y ago

On a higher level than just Stephen Wolfram, I find the practice of immediately dismissing people who are "outsiders" from academia (or from a field) disturbing. In our history, some of the most insightful work and execution has come from outsiders. Computer science seems to be quite good when it comes to this, but fields like physics seem to be so violently against people who are not doing research at a top tier university that they're preventing their own progress. Looking at the state of physics research, I've personally decided not to go deep into the field on my own, it feels like there is no way I could contribute to progress. I'm not sure if this is because of the hyper competitive state of getting tenure or if this is just an example of group think against the other, but I don't think it's a coincidence that the field of physics has gone from the most exciting and impactful field in science to being largely stagnant.

foxyv 6y ago
"Let me tell you my theory!" If you think listening to someone's new app idea is bad, there is nothing worse than an amateur physicist trying to tell you their newest theory. "Proof? Who needs that! My theory is so elegant!" "What do you mean my proof doesn't make any sense, maybe I'm just too much of a genius! How can you not see that right away?" "You have, 1028 emails with frustratingly naive 'What About?' questions from various self-taught physicists." I think a lot of physicists get kinda jaded about outside work. Then, when a genuinely talented and hardworking non-professional shows up, it's hard to tell the difference.
- hitekker 6y ago
  The Exhibit A example is perpetual motion: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perpetual_motion https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perpetual_motion
orbifold 6y ago
The ratio of cranks to valuable outside contributions is probably 10^{-6} if not smaller. At our theoretical physics institute, they have a wall with the most amusing crank theories. It is also extreme arrogance that makes someone think they could contribute something without investing 5+ years of their life. The total time is probably more than 10+ years before you can perform adequately and independently.
goatlover 6y ago
That’s because modern physics is difficult to make progress in, requiring lots of mathematical and theoretical knowledge in addition to sophisticated, costly experiments involving large collaborations. Someone lacking in the appropriate study and experience probably isn’t aware of all the ground that’s already been covered, and what it would take to have a breakthrough. The lower hanging fruit has already been picked.

by nscalf 6y ago

foxyv 6y ago

"Let me tell you my theory!" If you think listening to someone's new app idea is bad, there is nothing worse than an amateur physicist trying to tell you their newest theory. "Proof? Who needs that! My theory is so elegant!" "What do you mean my proof doesn't make any sense, maybe I'm just too much of a genius! How can you not see that right away?" "You have, 1028 emails with frustratingly naive 'What About?' questions from various self-taught physicists." I think a lot of physicists get kinda jaded about outside work. Then, when a genuinely talented and hardworking non-professional shows up, it's hard to tell the difference.

hitekker 6y ago
The Exhibit A example is perpetual motion: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perpetual_motion https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perpetual_motion

orbifold 6y ago

The ratio of cranks to valuable outside contributions is probably 10^{-6} if not smaller. At our theoretical physics institute, they have a wall with the most amusing crank theories. It is also extreme arrogance that makes someone think they could contribute something without investing 5+ years of their life. The total time is probably more than 10+ years before you can perform adequately and independently.

goatlover 6y ago

That’s because modern physics is difficult to make progress in, requiring lots of mathematical and theoretical knowledge in addition to sophisticated, costly experiments involving large collaborations. Someone lacking in the appropriate study and experience probably isn’t aware of all the ground that’s already been covered, and what it would take to have a breakthrough. The lower hanging fruit has already been picked.