Why do we do basic research? To learn about ourselves.

The really fascinating thing about research is the new science, but to get to it, you have to get past that first level.

By asking a novel question that you don't know the answer to, you discover whether you can formulate a way of finding the answer, and you stretch your own mind, and very often you learn something new.

When thinking about companions gone, we feel ourselves doubly alone.

Early on, it's good to develop the ability to write. Learning to write is a useful exercise, even if what you're writing about is not that relevant.

I know basic things about belly dancing, but not the technicalities; I want to learn it. I want to learn belly dancing.