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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.
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  • Home
    • CV
    • Research
    • About Me
    • Essays >
      • Thoughts on Darwin's Death Day 2009
    • Publications
    • Photos
    • Links
    • Contact Information
    • Protocols >
      • Competition flow
    • Press Coverage
    • Colleagues
    • Outreach
    • Recommended books
    • Mentoring
    • Words of Wisdom
  • Video
  • Teaching