Agreed that at least some luck (and the avoidance of bad luck) is essential for a modern academic career. As I recall -- Not quite explicit in Letters from a Y

Agreed that at least some luck (and the avoidance of bad luck) is essential for a modern academic career. As I recall -- Not quite explicit in Letters from a Young Scientist: He worked really hard and is prolific. For those lucky-enough to hit personal resonance with a field of study, what looks like others to be really hard work is enabled by the joy of great passion. It is a great book -- definitely worth a read.