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This talk could also be titled "You and Your Engineering Career" or "You and Your Career" because the principles discussed apply broadly across many fields.

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I became aware at Los Alamos that I was like a janitor of science, trusted to do simple tasks but not involved in major decisions, which made me envious of more capable scientists.

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Richard W. Hamming

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The 'Matthew Effect' suggests that once you become famous in science, it's easier to remain famous, while those who are not famous risk losing recognition and opportunities.

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Richard W. Hamming

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You have one life to lead, so it's important to pursue a life of significance, defined by your own standards, rather than just getting by.

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Richard W. Hamming

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My goal is to inspire you to believe that you can achieve greatness, just as I did, by sharing my experiences and showing that if I can do it, so can you.

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Richard W. Hamming

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Fame involves an element of luck, but it also requires preparation; when opportunities arise, you need to be ready to seize them.

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Richard W. Hamming

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Constant hard work is essential for success; the most capable individuals work diligently and are always engaged with their problems.

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Great individuals often believe they can do significant work, and having confidence in your abilities is crucial for achieving success.

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You must work on important problems to achieve significant results; otherwise, you risk relying on mere luck for success. You have to plant the acorns that will grow into mighty oak trees; focus on problems that can become important in the future.

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The issue with Nobel Prize winners is that they often get distracted by fame and committees, which prevents them from doing meaningful work afterwards.

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Richard W. Hamming

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Confidence in yourself is crucial, but overconfidence can lead to disaster; it's important to find the fine line between being strong-willed and stubborn.

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Strive for excellence in whatever you do; while not everything is worth doing well, aiming for high standards will provide unity in your work.

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Having a vision of what you want to achieve is essential; without it, you won't get very far in your endeavors.

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Richard W. Hamming

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You should aim to do more than just a good job; strive for a first-class job in your work.

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Good working conditions may not be what you think; for instance, working with the door closed can help you focus, but it may also disconnect you from reality.

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Richard W. Hamming

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Those who work with their door closed may be productive but often miss out on important developments happening around them.

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Richard W. Hamming

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The Institute for Advanced Study often keeps talented individuals from exploring new ideas, as they tend to focus on past successes rather than new challenges.

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Richard W. Hamming

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When faced with limitations, like not having enough programmers, consider turning the problem around; what seems like a defect can become an asset.

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Richard W. Hamming

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You should study your successes rather than your failures; understanding what led to success will prepare you for future opportunities.

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Richard W. Hamming

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To improve your knowledge and skills, reorganize your life to focus on what truly matters for your career, rather than distractions.

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Richard W. Hamming

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The race is not always to the swiftest; what matters is working on the right problem at the right time in the right way.

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Set aside regular time to reflect on the important problems in your field to gain significant insights and advancements, and ensure you have a clear direction in your work to avoid aimlessness, like a drunken sailor.

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It's essential to focus on the bigger picture and understand the fundamentals, even if they may change over time.

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Richard W. Hamming

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Learning new things is crucial as new fields continuously emerge, and you must discern their relevance to your work.

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Great scientists possess a tolerance for ambiguity; they believe in their theories enough to pursue them but also question them to make necessary changes.

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Richard W. Hamming

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To achieve greatness in science, one must see what others miss and embrace contradictions to make significant advancements.

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The importance of a problem is often determined by whether you have a viable approach to tackle it, not just its potential consequences.

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It's not just what you do, but how you do it that matters; style can make a significant difference in your work.

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Effective communication is vital; you must learn to express your ideas clearly in various formats, including talks and written reports.

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Richard W. Hamming

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To improve your speaking skills, analyze effective talks and adapt their styles to your own strengths.

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Progress requires change, and while change can be uncomfortable, it is necessary for advancement.

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You must demonstrate your abilities before gaining the freedom to pursue your own projects; opportunities come after you prove yourself.

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The struggle for greatness is worth it; those who succeed find it more rewarding than anything else.

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Richard W. Hamming

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Examine your life and strive to make it meaningful; don't settle for a life of mere enjoyment without purpose.

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Richard W. Hamming

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Style is crucial in problem-solving; you must work on the right problem at the right time in the right way to succeed.

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Richard W. Hamming

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This lecture serves as a call to action: repent from idleness and strive to be someone worth being.

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I've shared insights on how to succeed that no one ever told me; you have no excuse not to do better than I did.

Hamming, "You and Your Research" (June 6, 1995)

Takeaways