Sometimes, all you have to do is ask.

Another way to be prepared is to think negatively. Yes, I'm a great optimist. but, when trying to make a decision, I often think of the worst case scenario. I call it 'the eaten by wolves factor.' If I do something, what's the most terrible thing that could happen? Would I be eaten by wolves? One thing that makes it possible to be an optimist, is if you have a contingency plan for when all hell breaks loose. There are a lot of things I don't worry about, because I have a plan in place if they do.

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.

It's very important to know when you're in a pissing match. And it's very important to get out of it as quickly as possible.

When you do something young enough and you train for it, it just becomes a part of you.

Sometimes you can't pay it back, so you just have to pay it forward.

Experience is often the most valuable thing you have to offer.