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I don't think that many of the people who appreciate Feynman, Einstein or Hawking think they are as smart. If they did, why would they idolize someone who is on

I don't think that many of the people who appreciate Feynman, Einstein or Hawking think they are as smart. If they did, why would they idolize someone who is on the same level as them. Having people to look up to in your field is inspiring. It forces you to work harder and aspire to be greater in your field. What if you worked in a field that had no one? Who does an accountant look up to? What inspires them to get up every morning and go to work? Money? That just isn't enough for some people, which is why you have such 'cults' (such as the supposed Paul Graham cult!).

TriinT 17y ago
I think you missed the point. A grad student who idolizes Feynman, Einstein or Hawking does not think he's as smart as them (not even close). Instead, he hopes he can make contributions at the same level of Feynman, Einstein or Hawking. Maybe if he works really hard and is lucky, then maybe he can make one important contribution. People who think they are smart and have no track record of achievements are just self-deluded, egomaniac, sick fools.
- ianbishop 17y ago
  Again, what is wrong with that? I would take someone who is motivated, willing to work hard and is innovative over someone is simply comfortable with the likelihood that they will never contribute anything that will change the world.
  - TriinT 17y ago
    We're talking Physics here. Let's not forget that. A hard-working, motivated person does not need to be Einstein-smart to change the world. There are many ways of changing the world, but coming up with a new theory that dethrones the old established theory is probably the hardest and riskiest way of all. If I wanted to recruit someone, I would want someone who is motivated and willing to work hard, over someone who is bitter for not being Feynman-smart that is for sure. The point I am trying to make is that people should set small, realistic goals and accomplish them. Instead of one big goal, divide it into small ones and conquer them one by one. Do not engage in ego-masturbation until you've accomplished something truly Earth-shattering. Just keep working to accomplish more.
    - ErrantX 17y ago
      One way I tend to look at it now is to put myself in perspective. I generally go under the assumption I am pretty smart - whether it is true or not - and that can often be a bad thing. It's often good to sit and consider the effect such awesome minds (and I think it is hard to argue their contributions aren't above and beyond what most "very clever" people will achieve) had on the world just to put my own achievements in perspective. The crucial thing of course is to understand that it is still possible to achieve great things without reaching those heady heights :) (for example Von Braun is little remembered in pop-physics but his [and his team's] achievements changed the world substantially)

TriinT 17y ago

I think you missed the point. A grad student who idolizes Feynman, Einstein or Hawking does not think he's as smart as them (not even close). Instead, he hopes he can make contributions at the same level of Feynman, Einstein or Hawking. Maybe if he works really hard and is lucky, then maybe he can make one important contribution. People who think they are smart and have no track record of achievements are just self-deluded, egomaniac, sick fools.

ianbishop 17y ago
Again, what is wrong with that? I would take someone who is motivated, willing to work hard and is innovative over someone is simply comfortable with the likelihood that they will never contribute anything that will change the world.
- TriinT 17y ago
  We're talking Physics here. Let's not forget that. A hard-working, motivated person does not need to be Einstein-smart to change the world. There are many ways of changing the world, but coming up with a new theory that dethrones the old established theory is probably the hardest and riskiest way of all. If I wanted to recruit someone, I would want someone who is motivated and willing to work hard, over someone who is bitter for not being Feynman-smart that is for sure. The point I am trying to make is that people should set small, realistic goals and accomplish them. Instead of one big goal, divide it into small ones and conquer them one by one. Do not engage in ego-masturbation until you've accomplished something truly Earth-shattering. Just keep working to accomplish more.
  - ErrantX 17y ago
    One way I tend to look at it now is to put myself in perspective. I generally go under the assumption I am pretty smart - whether it is true or not - and that can often be a bad thing. It's often good to sit and consider the effect such awesome minds (and I think it is hard to argue their contributions aren't above and beyond what most "very clever" people will achieve) had on the world just to put my own achievements in perspective. The crucial thing of course is to understand that it is still possible to achieve great things without reaching those heady heights :) (for example Von Braun is little remembered in pop-physics but his [and his team's] achievements changed the world substantially)