Physicists and Their Social Interactions: Breaking Stereotypes

[chaoseverlasting]

When I was studying physics, I became reluctant to mention my major. If someone asked, I would tell them "astro and nuclear physics", and then I switch to nuclear engineering. The moment one says nuclear, physics or quantum . . . the most common response from other students "Oooh, you must be smart" or something very similar. Some might mention Einstein, or relativity, or atomic bombs, and some would start asking about nuclear weapons, or fusion, or some other current event related to nuclear energy.

I much prefer an environment like PF.

I love PF for that! I am always getting knocked about for my interest in science! I am doing engineering, and me peers think I'm a little funny in the head cause I try to apply theoretical concepts to everyday problems. Its pissing off!

 

[vanesch]

Not necessarily something you believe in, it might be something you find intensely fun. There are a number of reasons that people do physics, not all of them are for glory or altruism.

Nah, the thing that struck me was that he tried to convince me that he understood (visibly against evident common knowledge) that I was in a certain way *not useless* and that I *didn't* make a wrong career choice

 

[Nabeshin]

The best reply I ever got was from a guy who studied commerce (I learned afterwards). I was having a beer with a few friends and there was a new guy in the group I didn't know. So he asked a bit around, what people were doing and so on (there was a farmer, a military, a policeman...) and when it came to me, I said I was doing a PhD in particle physics. And he told me, with a straight and honest face:

"You know, people like you, I really can respect that. You are not useless, you know. You are smart, and you could make a lot of money, but you chose to do something you believe in. That's what I call: having character!"

o.o It's not like physicists get paid jack! An interesting assumption here is that you're extremely smart and could have easily got a job considered by most people to be one requiring high intelligence (brain surgeon, lawyer, etc) and made much more money. Although, it's refreshing. Some people think you're wasting your life studying elementary particles or emission spectra of stars. They don't see it as practical, thus it's wasteful. At least someone appreciates it.

 

[matt.o]

Although, it's refreshing. Some people think you're wasting your life studying elementary particles or emission spectra of stars. They don't see it as practical, thus it's wasteful. At least someone appreciates it.

This is something that has troubled me for some time regarding my choice to go for a career in astronomy. I sometimes feel I'm not making a very useful contribution to society, but then I just think of rutheless business people who screw everyone for their last penny, and I don't feel so bad!

 

[Poop-Loops]

Don't. Instead, think of all the people who will benefit from your research years into the future when we are all zooming across the galaxy, know where the hell we are going and how to get there safely.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

I love PF for that!

When I first landed at PF it was like finding the motherload! I had been traveling extensively and during that time I had met thousands of people. But I was just coming to terms with the fact that most people bore me and I'm tired of pretending to not be bored.

You can only spend so much time with people who have few or no common interests before it starts driving you stir crazy!

 

[Moonbear]

Science friends can indeed get annoying and boring sometimes. I need to find a more mixed group of friends. I hang out with too many scientists and engineers on a daily basis.

You were with us in chat yesterday, weren't you? I was pretty sure that wasn't boring and all about science. In fact, I'm pretty sure we told the people who wanted to talk about science to head over to the science chat and let the rest of us talk about silly things.

Being a scientist is my job. It's one of many things I enjoy doing, but it does not define who I am. Yes, I have met scientists who never stop being a scientist and somehow think it should define their entire personality...I don't hang out with them anymore, they're no fun.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

I have met scientists who never stop being a scientist and somehow think it should define their entire personality...

Why do you assume that this is voluntary? Some people seem to run on only one track whether they be scientists or Amway salesmen.

 

[Moonbear]

Why do you assume that this is voluntary? Some people seem to run on only one track whether they be scientists or Amway salesmen.

Yes, you're right, it's entirely possible they are just naturally boring people who cannot talk about anything but work, regardless of what their work might have been. I was mainly trying to make the point that it's not the norm for those in the profession.

Heck, I'm off at a retreat about neuroscience right now, and while we had our science talks during the afternoon, and our time to do some networking and discussion of potential collaborations, when it was time to have dinner, all science discussion ended and topics ranged from bad jokes to political ads to the drinking habits of our students to what sorts of drinks can you make with Peach Schnapps (it seemed like a random thing being served at the cash bar when the rest of the selection was rather minimal to make any drinks we could think of that you might put that into).