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Don't worry. We won't tell anyone you said that.Ygggdrasil said:
Can you name someone that pulled off a certain impossible feat academically?
- Thread starter Gary_T2018
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- Impossible
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the concept of "impossible feats" in academia, with participants sharing examples of individuals who have achieved remarkable academic accomplishments. The scope includes personal anecdotes, notable figures in STEM, and a debate on the definition of "impossible" in this context.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Exploratory
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants mention individuals like Emily Calandarelli, who holds four STEM degrees, as examples of impressive academic achievements.
- Dr. Sheldon Cooper is humorously suggested as a fictional example of someone who qualifies for many academic "impossible feats."
- One participant recalls a high school peer who achieved a perfect SAT score, noting its rarity at the time.
- Richard Feynman's entrance exam performance is highlighted, where he excelled in physics and mathematics but struggled in other subjects.
- Frank Ryan is noted for balancing a career in the NFL with earning a PhD in mathematics, alongside John Urschel's similar achievements.
- Some participants argue that having two master's degrees is not an "impossible feat," suggesting that many have accomplished this.
- Michael Griffin's six graduate degrees are mentioned as another example of significant academic achievement.
- There is a discussion about the semantics of "impossible," with some participants expressing frustration over the term's usage and suggesting alternatives like "seemingly impossible."
- Emmy Noether is proposed as a significant figure who overcame barriers in academia, particularly as a woman in mathematics during her time.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on what constitutes an "impossible feat," with some arguing that many achievements cited are not truly impossible. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the definition of "impossible" and the criteria for academic feats.
Contextual Notes
Some participants note that the term "impossible" may be subjective and context-dependent, leading to varied interpretations and expectations of what constitutes an impressive academic achievement.