At least you gave the effort to contemplate the vast world of theoretical physics. Many people can’t be bothered to even walk down such an intellectually demanding path. I wish more people would put more effort into hard intellectual pursuits, rather than trying to create the next IPO or viral video.

Thank you for providing such a raw insight into the often cutthroat and soul sucking world of graduate studies. I’m interested in math and its applications in physics. I’ve considered going the PhD route, but close friends and family who have gone through the experience don’t speak very highly of it. The reality that in research heavy post docs is that it is hard to stay focused on your chosen area of research, while you handle the politics of the program and survive slightly over the poverty line also makes the thought of going into graduate studies sound less appealing.

It’s sad that the PhD is one of the only officially recognized routes to break new ground in fields like science and math. I feel like more people would be interested in pondering infinity if they didn’t have to worry about kissing ass or basic survival in the process.