BEWARE: Someday I may mention you in my book!!!

Let me begin this post by making the following disclaimer:

There are many people in my life whose words I remember because of the positive influence they have on my scientific journey as well as my life in general. Hint: you people are the ones who actually get to read my blog. In addition, I'm not out to keep a list of people who I'm going to retaliate against one day because they said something ridiculous. In fact, I'm sure, that some (not all) of the people who make comments like the one I'm about to describe do not mean to discourage, slander, discriminate or otherwise sound like a jerk. But, here is my rant:

Today, Dr. P said the following, "There are two types of scientists: physicists and stamp collectors. In other words, those who know and understand what they are doing and those who don't know what they are doing. I call those who don't know what they are doing stamp collectors because their science is really just a hobby and once someone finds out that they
don't understand what they are doing they will have to find a new hobby."

Are you F***ING kidding me??? Yeah, totally, it's that black and white. Real science and fake science. This is what was going on in my head but I played Dr.P's game. I decided to ask him a few questions about himself and pretended to be genuinely interested in what he had to say. He seems like the type that wants to tell you all about how great he is (since he's a real scientist and all). And, I actually am interested, but not in an admiration kind of way- more like a "how the hell did you get these crazy ideas in your head?" kind of way. He revealed that his Ph.D. is in physical chemistry from a rather respected institution. So, Dr. P, why didn't you just become a physicist? Then you could really know everything.

Does the guy really mean what he said? Does he have any clue how pompous he sounds? Does he realize that his class is full of people who have dreams and goals, many of which do not include much beyond a general physics understanding? Does he realize that some of us have had to work our asses off to come this far and that despite the fact that quantum mechanics are not our cup of tea we actually are valuable individuals who have much to offer the scientific community?

I'm smart enough to know that as much as I disagree with the guy, I have to keep my mouth shut and make the best out of the situation for my own sake. For now, I'll smile, I'll laugh at your jokes, I'll come to you for help, I'll let you talk about yourself and tell me how grand you are. But, watch out Dr. P, you may just be mentioned in my book someday. And, it won't be on account of your mentoring skills.