When I was in graduate school in Princeton, I was told to…
“When I was in graduate school in Princeton, I was told to take three courses. One of them to work on really hard, another to work on moderately hard, and the third one just to absorb. In my case, I never showed up to the latter class, taught by Robert Gunning, on Several Complex Variables. Several Complex Variables (Cn) was starting to get vary fashionable then, but I decided to specialize in n=1/2.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker humorously describes a selective approach to coursework, choosing to skip a challenging class in favor of a more manageable focus.
In simple terms: Skips hard class, focuses on easier work.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize manageable learning over obligatory difficulty.
Themes
education
choice
humor
Mood
reflective
light‑hearted
Type
personal anecdote
advice
When to use this quote
- graduate coursework
- personal priorities
- time management
Key Concepts
selective learning
academic strategy
self‑directed study
Questions to Reflect On
- Why did you choose to avoid the complex class?
- What are the risks of selective learning?
A Different Perspective
Skipping may limit depth of knowledge.