Perspectives of a former undergrad student in science

[Timothy S.]

I was studying theoretical physics in the university for 2.5 years before giving up this speciality.
If I study physics ~2 hours daily plus 3 hours every weekend myself and individually with teacher, will I be able to do serious research (write papes that will be cited and will have influence on the physical science)?

P. S.
I might be too optimistic, because my friend (a BCS in theoretical physics) said that nowadays to be able to start some research in theoretical physics you need to study until you are 40.

 

[Choppy]

I think your friend has the right of it, unfortunately. While 40 might be a slight exaggeration, it's highly unlikely that you'll get to the point where you can produce influential research without completing a formal education to the level of a PhD.
Keep in mind that most PhD students work on their studies more or less full time (i.e. 8+ hours per day) for 4-6 years or more. And from there, they go on to full-time post-doctoral work.
Over that time, in addition to simply developing a rigorous knowledge base in your field, you need to also:

• understand current research trends and topics, what the big problems are (and the smaller problems that need to be solved to be make progress toward answering the bigger problems
• understand the different techniques being used to tackle those problems... how they are expected to work, what their shortfalls are, etc.
• develop skills in the application of those techniques
• build up an academic network in your field (it's rare for people to work alone these days)
• build skills in academic writing, presenting your ideas, and responding to critique

There's still value in learning for learning's sake, but realistically, I think if your end goal is to do research, the best avenue to get there is through the PhD route.

 

[symbolipoint]

From post #1,
First part, you're misguided or need guiding.
Second part, BEFORE age 40 is also good, even better.

A little more: You need what is not in the books; what is not on paper which you ammend using pencil or pen; real materials and equipment which you use and interact with are very necessary. All the stuff on paper is dead. You need laboratory exercises to bring any of it to life.