Lol. Sure phD holders are ordinary mortals. But you chose to do
a phD, you chose to further your education. That shows commitment,
passion, willpower. =)
That's the diff between a phD holder and someone who didn't
pursue education that far. And yea, one doesn't need a phD to study
a good physics book, BUT the intellectual prowess/sharpness of mind
that comes with having completed a phD proves very useful in
analysing the contents of the book, doesn't it?
It gives you the ability to kind of 'read between the lines' and
understand the book in a deeper fashion.
There isn't a need to discourage ppl from taking phD ma, those
who are considering it are those who are serious about it and have
given it a lot of thought.
I chose to do PhD because I thought all people who are
passionate about science should naturally pursue academic work
further. I disagree the 'intellectual prowess/sharpness of mind
that comes with having completed a phD'. In fact, I become less
sharp after completing my PhD. Imagine repeated computations and
experimentations just to get the 'correct' results. One can still
understand books in a 'deeper fashion' without a PhD through
disciplined self-study.
The three great minds quoted above all have PhDs. Yet, they
unanimously condemn the modern academia with its emphasis on 'empty
scientific publications'. In fact, most great scientists are
self-taught.
However, I am not 'discouraging' people from pursuing PhD. I
just wish to give different viewpoints on the issue. Ultimately the
decision is up to the individual. A lot has been written about this
issue. See, for example, The
Disposable Academic.
