Self Link: You And Your Research
This is a talk given by Professor Richard W. Hamming, where he preaches 2 things -
- It is worth trying to accomplish the goals you set for yourself.
- It is worth setting yourself high goals.
The major objection cited by people against striving to do great things is the belief that it is all a matter of luck. I have repeatedly cited Pasteur’s remark, “Luck favors the prepared mind.” It both admits there is an element of luck and yet claims to a great extent it is up to you. You prepare yourself to succeed or not, as you choose, from moment to moment, by the way you live your life.
- Just like Building a Second Brain and Atomic Habits highlight, creative acts are lots of hard work applied over long periods.
- A very important quality to have is the belief that you can do important things.
- Confidence in yourself is essential. Others call it Courage.
- Intellectual Interest compounds.
Note
What you consider to be good working conditions may not be good or you!
- Professor Hamming recommends taking time to think about the larger questions.
- This allows you to escape the details.
- Essential for any future leader/businessman.
- Tolerating ambiguity - probably the most important thing he says.
- To sell a new idea, you need to master three things -
- Giving Formal Presentations.
- Producing Written Reports.
- Master Informal Presentations.