Words of Wisdom

Note: Whether these are actual words of wisdom or simply trite trifles and cliches is up to the reader. Make and take of them as you please.

Be kind and understanding every chance you get.
Don't be ugly. (A favorite expression of my great-grandmother.)
When in doubt, throw it out, be "it" data, a culture, a strain, etc. If you are not sure whether or not to trust it, then get rid of it.
Hypotheses are not children - they have no inherent worth or dignity, nor any right to exist. They have to justify themselves. Test the daylights out of them.
Science requires creativity. The formation of hypotheses and experimental designs are creative acts, and inspiration can come from anywhere and anything.
When a testable question occurs to you, test it.
A quick pilot is far more valuable in figuring out how to do a formal experiment properly than endless, perfectionistic planning.
Working smart is better than working hard. Working both smart and hard is better still.
Never be afraid to sweat.
Don't be afraid of big experiments.
Sleep is overrated, but still important.
Attempt to understand before attacking. This is true of papers, questions, and people.
Nature is bigger than you are.
Evolution is cleverer than you are.
Nature doesn't care what you think.
Never assume that nature is as limited as your imagination.
Never assume that you are right. Hope that you might be, but expect that you are more likely to be wrong.
If you think you have it figured out, you don't.
When writing or preparing a talk, remember that you are trying to communicate with human beings, and you want them to understand you.
Never forget that humans learn best via storytelling.
"I don't know" is one of the most profound and powerful of all statements, because it is the starting point of finding anything out. Never, ever, ever be afraid to think or say it.
Smug superiority is never justified.
Science isn't supposed to be easy, but it should be fun.