> This is similar to the argument that ideas don't matter for entrepreneurship.
I've long believed doing a PhD is very similar to being an entrepreneur. Discipline and maintaining motivation are by far the hardest things. Little pay and no guarantee of reward. You have an idea and you have to do your best to see it through, but it's tough, utterly exhausting and very isolating. It's a wonder anyone manages it at all really.
I've done a PhD and been an entrepreneur. The former is much harder, although "success" is almost certain if you're persistent.
It is very difficult for people to appreciate how grueling an academic career can be, from grad school on. I put together this list to make the point: http://www.tjradcliffe.com/?p=1588 (needs to be read to the end to see what I mean.)
I've long believed doing a PhD is very similar to being an entrepreneur. Discipline and maintaining motivation are by far the hardest things. Little pay and no guarantee of reward. You have an idea and you have to do your best to see it through, but it's tough, utterly exhausting and very isolating. It's a wonder anyone manages it at all really.