Fortune Cookies (in STEM fields)

  • Thread starter Thread starter fresh_42
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    advice Stem
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the sharing of aphorisms and advice commonly used in STEM fields, likened to fortune cookie wisdom. Key phrases include "Start by removing what disturbs you the most," which emphasizes problem-solving through simplification, and the mathematical identity "a² - b² = (a - b)(a + b)," which encourages a deeper understanding of algebraic concepts. Additionally, the adage "Writing is faster than thinking" highlights the importance of documenting thoughts to enhance clarity and efficiency in research. The conversation also touches on the laws of thermodynamics, illustrating the inherent challenges in scientific endeavors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic algebraic identities, specifically the difference of squares.
  • Familiarity with the laws of thermodynamics and their implications in scientific contexts.
  • Knowledge of problem-solving techniques in STEM, particularly simplification strategies.
  • Experience in scientific writing and documentation practices.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore advanced problem-solving techniques in STEM fields.
  • Study the implications of the laws of thermodynamics in engineering and physics.
  • Learn effective scientific writing strategies to improve clarity and efficiency.
  • Investigate the role of visual aids, such as colored graphs, in conveying complex scientific concepts.
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and professionals in STEM fields seeking to enhance their problem-solving skills, improve their scientific writing, and understand foundational concepts in mathematics and thermodynamics.

fresh_42
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Insights Author
2025 Award
Messages
20,815
Reaction score
28,445
I just had an idea. I thought of two bits of advice today that I often give as common mottoes. They are as general as the aphorisms found in fortune cookies. I could imagine that others have similar phrases they use or used to advise their students.

So here it is, the thread that gathers such puns.

I'll start with those phrases and hope to read many others:

1) Start by removing what disturbs you the most!
(Advice meant to tackle a problem by, e.g. removing asymmetries or by a reduction to special cases.)

2) Whenever you see a square, think of ##\mathrm{a^2-b^2=(a-b)(a+b)!}##

3) Writing is faster than thinking!
(Better to write down some additional lines than do too many - possibly wrong - steps in mind.)
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: BillTre and berkeman
Physics news on Phys.org
DaveE said:
I'm reminded of that old grad school joke: "6 weeks of working in the lab can save you from spending a few hours in the library"
:smile:
 
  • Like
  • Haha
Likes   Reactions: dwarde, BillTre, fresh_42 and 1 other person
Have you tried integration by parts?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: DaveE and fresh_42
The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum forms a continuum
from long wavelengths (low frequency)
to short wavelengths (high frequency).

Human eyes evolved to see the visible light segment of this continuum
as our sun primarily emits light near the visible portion of the EM spectrum.
------------------------------------

More like poetry format than fortune cookie, best as narration to colored graphs.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: fresh_42
Time, cost, quality. Pick one.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: fresh_42
The three laws of thermodynamics:

First law: You can't win
Second law: You can't even break even
Third law: You can't get out of the game
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: fresh_42
You will be just as happy with an MBA.
 
  • Haha
Likes   Reactions: berkeman

Similar threads

Replies
17
Views
4K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 48 ·
2
Replies
48
Views
6K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K