The need to do great things

The title of this post is my best attempt at explaining what research is. And I do not mean just academic research.

Comments (4)

4 Comments »

Or may be
“The need to be recognised as a person doing great things”?

Comment by Deniss — 5/4/2008 @ 4:15
> The need to be recognised as a person doing great things

Well – no.

One of the things I’ve discovered over the years, is that you can create change or you can receive credit – not both.

If what motivates you is the credit, then you will find yourself pulled further and further from your objective of creating change.

This is something I have to remind myself of almost every day. Because it’s not easy.

Comment by Stephen Downes — 5/4/2008 @ 7:55
As always, the best content is in the comments.

Comment by Daniel Lemire — 7/4/2008 @ 9:26
I respectfully disagree that one cannot do great things (and create change) and receive credit. Not that I candidate in either category!

In fact, the history of science (and art) is filled with examples of great men who were recognized as such. Although arguably there are also many who seek and value recognition higher than actual achievement.

Maybe you mean that it’s hard to do great things if your primary goal is recognition?

Comment by Cyril — 11/4/2008 @ 22:52