Acorns Quote by Richard Hamming
![“When you are famous it is hard to work on small problems. This is what did [Claude Elwood] Shannon in. After information theory, what do you do for an encore? The great scientists often make this error. They fail to continue to plant the little acorns from which the mighty oak trees grow. They try…” quote by Richard Hamming](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8ae/richard-hamming-14135_acorns_when-you-are-famous-it-is-hard-to-work-o_2457509.jpg)
“When you are famous it is hard to work on small problems. This is what did [Claude Elwood] Shannon in. After information theory, what do you do for an encore? The great scientists often make this error. They fail to continue to plant the little acorns from which the mighty oak trees grow. They try to get the big thing right off. And that isn't the way things go. So that is another reason why you find that when you get early recognition it seems to sterilize you.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: "The Art of Problem Solving", 1998
Early fame can distract scientists from tackling small, foundational problems, hindering long‑term impact.
In simple terms: Fame can sidetrack focus on basics.
Key Takeaway
Keep working on small, essential questions.
Themes
science
focus
humility
Mood
cautious
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
advisory
When to use this quote
- academic research
- technology development
- innovation labs
Key Concepts
incremental progress
research methodology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance big goals with small tasks?
- What small problems could yield big breakthroughs?
A Different Perspective
Big projects may seem urgent, but neglecting basics limits growth.
