I was hugely impressed... was the ultimate example of a man who knew what he didn't know, was perfectly willing to admit it, and didn't want to leave until he understood. That's heroic to me. I wish every grad student had that attitude.

if you offer wisdom from a third party, it seems less arrogant and more acceptable.

Brick walls are there for reason. And once you get over them-- even if someone has practically had to throw you over-- it can be helpful to others to tell them how you did it.

Go out and do for others what somebody did for you.

It's easy to be smart when you are parodying smart people.

I've always admired people who are over-prepared.

Apologize when you screw up and focus on other people, not on yourself.