Fortune Cookies (in STEM fields)

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The discussion revolves around sharing aphorisms and advice that can aid problem-solving and learning. Key phrases include the idea of addressing the most disturbing issues first to simplify problems, the mathematical identity related to squares, and the notion that writing can be more efficient than thinking, as it helps clarify thoughts and reduce errors. Additionally, there's a humorous take on the challenges of academic work, likening lab work to saving time in the library. The conversation also touches on the laws of thermodynamics, presented in a poetic format, emphasizing the inevitability of certain outcomes in life and work. Overall, the thread encourages the exchange of wisdom in a creative and engaging manner.
fresh_42
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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.)
 
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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:
 
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Have you tried integration by parts?
 
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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.
 
Time, cost, quality. Pick one.
 
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
 
You will be just as happy with an MBA.
 

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