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Making the world better is a complex problem which depends on a hell of a lot of systems. Having worked in academia, you rapidly appreciate that the people who
by adw 15y ago
Making the world better is a complex problem which depends on a hell of a lot of systems.
Having worked in academia, you rapidly appreciate that the people who keep the lights on - administrators, lab techs, librarians - are about the most important people there.
And that system? Depends on taxpayer funding. If you're doing things which are ethical, and you're doing them well, then you're helping cure cancer and all the rest, even if only indirectly. Maybe you could do something more direct; that's your call to make. But don't minimize the impact of doing good work.
- espeed 15y agoI don't think he is trying to minimize the work of others. Steve is saying if you see a meaningful problem that you know how to attack, it's up to you to make it a priority rather than putting it off because you can't be bothered. He's talking about working toward your potential and possibly making short-term sacrifices in exchange for the greater good. Because if you have a unique perspective on a problem, you may be the only one in the world right now with the vision to solve it. Don't waste your time working on mundane shit when you know you could be doing something more.
- adw 15y agoThanks, and I totally agree. What I was really aiming for was "don't do yourself down" - and "don't underestimate the impact a well-placed tool can have".