Greetings everyone,
This week’s newsletter at a glance:
Reflections on My Graduate School Experience
Psychedelics for Creative Problem-Solve
A Top-Tier Short Story
Enjoy!
If A is success in life, then
𝐀 = 𝐱 + 𝐲 + 𝐳.
Work is x, play is y and z is keeping your mouth shut.
—Albert Einstein
✏️ Reflections on the MSc
I’ve been off this week after defending my thesis. Taking a few days for reflection, I would like to discuss my thoughts on life, careers, the academic life, and plans for the future.
One of the most important takeaways that I learned during my Master’s is the importance of a mentor. Having someone who is not only willing to support you in your career goals but is also willing to critique your work, challenge you to strive for more, and apply just the right amount of pressure is essential. I have been more than fortunate to have a highly supportive supervisor, a strong academic support system at home, and a social circle that encourages deep and clear thinking. This may be one of the single most important factors for high achievers — having a mentor in the early stages to supercharge your learning.
The 2nd takeaway from my Master’s experience is just how little I know. Seriously. I know basically nothing. My defense went quite smoothly, and this was largely due to my willingness to accept that there are serious limitations in my knowledge and competency. I know what I did, and the deficiencies of what I did, and nothing more. The MSc experience was humbling and encouraging for me because it showed me just how much I have to learn. I have the time, the capability, and the support, but I certainly have a lot of work to do.
The 3rd takeaway from my MSc experience is that life is better when you are betting on yourself. I chose a topic that was very unconventional in my program. But it was one that I was passionate about, and that passion can fuel you to deliver. Playing it safe is easy to do because, if done correctly, it generates results. But playing it safe won’t give you the exhilarating, obsessive experience of being in love with your work. Be rational and wise in your decision, but bet on yourself and your uniqueness. Oftentimes, it works out better than planned.
For me, betting on myself is letting go of my fears and minimizing the friction around starting a YouTube channel, focusing on myself and my core priorities (and ruthlessly cutting out the rest), and always stoking my desire to learn. I see my Ph.D. as a 4-year window to building the career of my dreams.
No one will build your dream for you.
in bono veritas
truth is in the good.
💡 Food for Thought
Most problems are 6-12 months away from being solved.
🔗 Sunday Best
Political Consequences of the Protestant Reformation
By Francis Fukuyama
The most obvious way in which the Lutheran phase of the Reformation aided in modern state-building was the way in which it added to state resources through the simple expropriation of the resources and taxing authority of the Catholic Church.
Psychedelic Agents in Creative Problem-Solving: A Pilot Study
By Harman et al. (1966)
Tentative findings based on tests of creativity, on subjective reports and self ratings, and on the utility of problem solutions suggested that, if given according to this carefully structured regimen, psychedelic agents seem to facilitate creative problem-solving, particularly in the “illumination phase.”
The Death of Ivan Ilyich
A novella by Leo Tolstoy.
One of my favourite stories that can be read in one day. I remember reading this on the train to Toronto and not wanting to go to the party.
An equation has no meaning for me unless it expresses a thought of God.
—Srinivasa Ramanujan
Thanks for coming!
AT