When I have had opportunity to teach Graduate Research over the years, I admonish my students to be unashamedly skeptical. Question everything. Ask for evidence. Challenge assumptions. Accept nothing that includes a lot of handwaving, diversion, evasion, smoke, mirrors, unverifiable promises.
At the same time, I remind them to NOT let their skepticism bleed over into cynicism. We must fight the urge to become cynics with every fiber of our being.
Why? Cynics have no hope. They can’t (or won’t) consider the prospects of a better future.
And…..cynics aren’t much fun to be around.
*If you’d like to read more of nc’s blatherings, go to nc’s Recursive Learning.
