Never too late Man earns PhD in Physics at 89

[Astronuc]

Manfred Steiner always wanted a Ph.D. in physics. He finally earned it at 89
https://www.npr.org/2021/11/07/1052005447/brown-university-89-phd-physics-dream?

Manfred Steiner had a successful and productive career as a doctor, helping generations of medical students learn about hematology. But all along, he had a nagging feeling he should be doing something else: studying physics. At age 89, he has finally fulfilled that dream, earning his Ph.D. in physics from Brown University.

"It's my third doctorate, but this one I really cherish a lot. That I made it — and made it at this age," said Steiner, who is weeks from turning 90, in an interview with NPR.

"I am really on top of the world," Steiner said in a news release from the college, as it announced his successful defense of his dissertation (title: "Corrections to the Geometrical Interpretation of Bosonization").

 

[symbolipoint]

Wonderful Achievement. One must wonder how much future has he remaining or what he will now do which uses this PhD.

 

[dyn]

Wonderful Achievement. One must wonder how much future has he remaining or what he will now do which uses this PhD.

Why not just celebrate this man's achievement without the added negative/morbid comments ? He has earned his PhD and it is equally as valid as someone's in their mid-20's

 

[symbolipoint]

Why not just celebrate this man's achievement without the added negative/morbid comments ? He has earned his PhD and it is equally as valid as someone's in their mid-20's

And maybe his PhD was itself an excellent contribution. One may feel , pessimistically, that the time is now very short to be able to do anything with his well earned PhD. I wonder because I just can't avoid thinking about this.

 

[CrysPhys]

And maybe his PhD was itself an excellent contribution. One may feel , pessimistically, that the time is now very short to be able to do anything with his well earned PhD. I wonder because I just can't avoid thinking about this.

I tell students contemplating a PhD: A PhD can be an end in itself, not merely a means to an end. That's true whether you're in your 20's or in your 80's.

 

[MathematicalPhysicist]

Here comes Tenure...

 

[Mondayman]

I feel better about starting university late when I read stories like this.

 

[CrysPhys]

I feel better about starting university late when I read stories like this.

As long as you're not referred to as "the late Mondayman" shortly after you graduate.

 

[SeasonalBeef]

I tell students contemplating a PhD: A PhD can be an end in itself, not merely a means to an end. That's true whether you're in your 20's or in your 80's.

I can see that as being it's own reward at 80 so you got something to do. I personally though wouldn't go for a PhD unless it was a means to an end. But that's me.

 

[dextercioby]

This is the perfect example that one must live an intellectually active life. Do not let those neurons tire and die, keep them always on alert.

 

[CrysPhys]

I can see that as being it's own reward at 80 so you got something to do. I personally though wouldn't go for a PhD unless it was a means to an end. But that's me.

That's one reason why you're aiming to be a civil engineer (according to another thread), and not a physicist.