Arvind Narayanan on X: "At the start of my research career I operated in a deadline-driven mode because that's what most researchers seemed to do. Gradually I discovered the value-driven way of working. I'm glad I had a supportive advisor who didn't make me chase deadlines. It took me 20 years to fully https://t.co/MV7SM27hPR" / Twitter
To view keyboard shortcuts, press question mark View keyboard shortcuts 14 85 566 Conversation Arvind Narayanan @random_walker At the start of my research career I operated in a deadline-driven mode because that's what most researchers seemed to do. Gradually I discovered the value-driven way of working. I'm glad I had a supportive advisor who didn't make me chase deadlines. It took me 20 years to fully embrace the switch — it requires developing a long-term vision, willpower to create structure without deadline pressure, a theory of value, project management skills, good taste, the willingness to turn projects down, brutal honesty about whether our work is any good (even if it gets published), and a lot more. But there is no going back! 5:19 AM · Jul 3, 2026 ·Twitter Web App 11 Quote Tweets 74 Retweets 14 85 566 475 Relevant Tweet your reply Reply Arvind Narayanan @random_walker · Jul 3 Freedom from publish-or-perish is the biggest benefit of tenure. But by the time they get there,
Arvind Narayanan @random_walker At the start of my research career I operated in a deadline-driven mode because that's what most researchers seemed to do. Gradually I discovered the value-driven way of working. I'm glad I had a supportive advisor who didn't make me chase deadlines. It took me 20 years to fully embrace the switch — it requires developing a long-term vision, willpower to create structure without deadline pressure, a theory of value, project management skills, good taste, the willingness to turn projects down, brutal honesty about whether our work is any good (even if it gets pub
related reading
- Principles of Effective Research – Michael Nielsenmichaelnielsen.org
- You and Your Researchcs.virginia.edu
- A Survival Guide to a PhDkarpathy.github.io
- Cultivating depth and stillness in research | Andy Matuschakandymatuschak.org
- Dr. R. W. Hamming's Advice on Researchcs.utexas.edu
- You and Your Researchfs.blog
- Principles of Effective Research – Michael Nielsenmichaelnielsen.org
- Productivity advice | Zhengdongzhengdongwang.com
- how to have a good time in a phdletterstomyfriends.substack.com
- Quick thoughts on researchmichaelnotebook.com
- Dear future undergraduate researcherrosewang2008.github.io
- Useful Vices for Wicked Problemscold-takes.com