I have studied physics and worked in Research & Development for some years before I turned to IT. I cannot call myself a professional scientist any more though I have been nvolved in science / the scientific community here and then.
Natural sciences and physics and mathematics in particular are what I consider to be the core of all sciences. The way of thinking that I learned to apply to theoretical and real-world problems during my studies still influences the way I tackle any problem.
These are the results of my dedication to science:
So I do still love the following:
- Clarity and precision, 0 or 1, yes or no.
- Translating real-world problems to formal, self-consistent, preferred mathematical representations.
- Really understanding what I am talking about as a result of theoretical investigations, intensive learning and hands-on experience.
As a logical consequence I am not overly tolerant when it comes to
- So-called politically correct way to convey facts by adding lengthy explanations, most often as a result of too much soft skill centered psychological training (Well, I think we should probably change the warp core threshold value before the spaceship crashes - but only if you don't mind and this does not hurt your feelings too much)
- Vague, inexact of articulating theories on life, the universe and everything, especially if these theories are inherently inconsistent.
- Having to listen to somebody explaining (for example) quantum physics to me if this person has read one popular science book on the subject.
(July 2008)