This is a quote I came across somewhere that I really like.

We just had a very inspiring industry talk from a researcher. His advice was to read more, go deeper, and embrace curiosity during your PhD. He said that a PhD gives you a lot of time to truly understand things and go into detail. He said not to worry about concrete progress — reading is important. Your PhD is the last time you get to spend long stretches of time just reading.

Why would a company not simply do the research themselves, where it would be more efficient? Because the project is risky. How do you derisk it? You give it to an intelligent person who keeps trying, and trying, and trying. And after a lot of beers and tears, they get it to work.

“Don’t leave this playfulness”, he said.