The former goof-off responds (briefly)....

Dien,

Honestly, I am just 'blown away' by your bio. My son (proud parent here) is also a physics graduate.

After the university graduation ceremony, my husband and I were invited to attend a private reception hosted by his physics professors. They mentioned how few people on the whole planet have the right 'stuff' it takes to fulfill this accomplishment.

My husband and I were rather amused that the professors took us aside, at the reception, and asked if we had enough 'influence' over our son... whereby we could strongly direct him to continue on with post-graduate studies in physics.

The esteemed professors were actually 'upset' that our son had elected to go to medical school instead of continuing his post-graduate education in physics...saying that it was "a waste of such a good mind...that this kind of 'gift' should not be misused."

He is now a resident physician who is nearing completion of a specialty in neurosurgery. Did he take the right path? The satisfaction of his experience so far as a surgeon has been rewarding for him.

But, I wonder...what responsibilities do we have 'to the world' to make the best use our 'gifts'? Do you ever feel pressured, because of your vast knowledge in the field of physics, to do what others expect of you...rather than what you want to do? Do you struggle with this?

I suppose that we do 'own our life', but with such a 'gift' of intelligence, do you ever feel obligated, even, to maximize your contributions to society?

In any case, I am glad that you are so versatile and have chosen to take the entrepreneurial road for all of us who are happy to be here and be part of the 'experience' you are creating with sowpub.

Did Gordon's materials help you, also, to clarify and be content with your current 'choices' in life?
Just curious :)
~ Amber

> Gordon has said a lot of great stuff....

> This will just be very brief...

> Gordon is referring to the fact that I
> FLUNKED 3rd year physics the first time I
> did it. I should add that to my bio, though
> I admit I am a little bit embarassed about
> it... :) (I usually don't tell my physics
> colleagues this!)

> Then I decided "enough is enough,"
> since I had let things slide far enough! And
> as a result I began to work like a mad man.

> Thanks Gordon.... Gordon has a lot to share,
> and so do many other participants here, like
> Julie Jordan Scott, Amber Sorenson, and many
> others.... I think this forum could become a
> great sharing place if it is watered right,
> a place of growth....

> Okay, I don't want to make this too long. :)

> - Dien