I really enjoyed reading this—and thank you for sharing my research as leisure article and adding such thoughtful reflections! The focus on the right kind of question (humble, aware of its assumptions) and the most fulfilling way to answer it (not being obsessed with resolution) is so key. One thing I learned from grad school was trying to find a research question that is appropriately broad/interesting enough (so it has value to your own development as a thinker AND to other people)…but also narrow enough that there's some focus, there's some particular angle or scope to it that makes it easier to pursue
I also very much agree with the point about a question as a radar—when I'm working on an interesting project, everything I take in (conversations with friends and strangers, seemingly unrelated books and films, current events and news) seems to have a surprising and unusual relevance to my project.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Celine! I went through the same process in grad school as well, and came out the other side with the conviction that a perfectly balanced question is a challenge that stretches you intellectually but doesn't overwhelm you.
I really enjoyed reading this—and thank you for sharing my research as leisure article and adding such thoughtful reflections! The focus on the right kind of question (humble, aware of its assumptions) and the most fulfilling way to answer it (not being obsessed with resolution) is so key. One thing I learned from grad school was trying to find a research question that is appropriately broad/interesting enough (so it has value to your own development as a thinker AND to other people)…but also narrow enough that there's some focus, there's some particular angle or scope to it that makes it easier to pursue
I also very much agree with the point about a question as a radar—when I'm working on an interesting project, everything I take in (conversations with friends and strangers, seemingly unrelated books and films, current events and news) seems to have a surprising and unusual relevance to my project.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Celine! I went through the same process in grad school as well, and came out the other side with the conviction that a perfectly balanced question is a challenge that stretches you intellectually but doesn't overwhelm you.
This is great!
Do you have a story about how you came to realize the power of questions?
Wow, I loved this piece! Can't wait to dive into the rabbit hole of your other writings
Thank you so much, glad it resonated!
Love this post and love that Moshfegh quote - thank you for sharing! We write about similar sentiments, looking forward to reading more.
thanks for your comment, Rish! looking forward to reading more of your work :)