If I can complete the program in four years, should I spend an extra year to do a post-doc? silly question...

取自《逍遥游上》

且夫水之积也不厚，则其负大舟也无力。覆杯水于坳堂之上，则芥
为之舟。置杯焉则胶，水浅而舟大也。风之积也不厚，则其负大翼也
无力。故九万里则风斯在下矣，而后乃今培风；背负青天而莫之夭阏
者，而后乃今将图南。

My English writing skill is sooooooooooooo poor! should feel ashamed!

I will try to complete my ph.d in four years.

I'm serious.

advisor

The number one criterion of choosing an advisor is not to see whether he's famous or influential, but whether he wants to help you or not. To what extent he will help matters. Will he just instruct you on the thesis or will he strongly recommend you to other professors when you are on a job market.

Anyway, this is just my thoughts. I'm practical on this issue.

term paper again

Here is my email to my Econ Hist professor. N. I was discussing my paper with him.


Sometimes I got lost in those materials, as the meaning has reached far beyond an economics paper.. They associated with the life and death of ancient people. Even a small contract, or a lawsuit can reflect their happiness and sorrows.

BTW, as I read more, I've come to realize the importance of agricultural tax. The tax policies greatly shape the daily behavior of people, and impact the trade of land. I believe the terms "large sale" or "bottom right" are also related to tax policies. Also there were lots of interesting things about monetary policy.

But now I don't have a big picture of this. Maybe I can make it a long term project. :)

I met a senior Ph.D. student today. She's Chinese and she's old than me. I really like her. She's more elegant than I am.

I am still clumsy in some ways. I am abrupt and fierce sometimes. :)

Should learn from her. Maybe I will get better at her age.

I have no money, I am nobody, but I am happy. :)

teaching

I will teach a course for undergraduate students next semester!

I will use the textbooks written by two of my professors. I believe they will offer me good suggestions regarding how to use the book. :)

elective affinities

I bet the book will have huge influence on me... The importance will
gradually reveal as I continue to accumulate experiences and increase
understandings.

I am impressed by the sobriety in that book, though the topic is very peculiar.

1. I've thought about that chemical metaphor before, though not as
clearly as he did..

2. I am learning the proper manners an elegant lady should have from
that book. I have the inclination to comply willingly with the wishes
of others, but this may not be good in all circumstances. Being
prideful is also useful in some cases.

3. I note how swiftly Goethe direct the topic from the introduction
part to the chemical explanation and extend that to relationships. The
variation is just perfect..

4. the description about the economics of ancient charity and
irrigation is interesting!

5. I understand my emotion and my desires better.. I am trying to
figure out what kind of personalities are those I really like. I need
to refine the messy desires and emotions according to some standards,
and Goethe suggests one.

5. Even in this strange book, we still see how moderate Goethe is. He
never forgets emphasizing moderation

I feel stronger when I read these books!! I hate that all my time to
be occupied by ugly economics. They make me weak sometimes!

today

I talked to a French female scholar this afternoon. She said she would like to look at my proposal.

I also had very interesting conversation with a Chinese visiting scholar. I am really happy that I have no difficulty in talking about comtemporary Chinese issues with him at all. I do follow the cultural/economic events in China closely. And I believe I am gaining better understanding since I learn more from my courses.

lucky

I am so happy that at least two of my professors are those kind of people who can explain everything in social science. Whenver I have a question, they can figure out an answer for me.

This is what I dreamed about in China. There are too few competent teachers in China.

I am lucky~~~~~~~~~

less focused

I got up really early,trying to finish the readings for my econ history class. But I ended up with looking at the dresses at Macy's website for half an hour!

That's why few females can succeed in academia. Females are less focused than men in general. Alas.

social networking

I am building up my socical network now.

I am so grateful for the helps from my professors. Today Dr. S who's in charge of funding decision told me that a bunch of professors have said nice words about me, including the department chair.

I feel a lot of pressure, because that means I must do a good job so that they won't be disappointed.

I also met with a guy working for K. Foundation this afternoon. I showed my four proposals to him and he is intersted. He said he would send them around and may introduce me to his collegues.

I am happy about all these!

Goethe

In emails, I asked a professor:

This is the note written by Yournenar:
"The more I strive for an exact portrait the farther I diverge from the kind of book, and of man, who would please the public. Only a few students of human destiny will understand."

Would you feel the tension between pleasing the public and being a student of human destiny? Was Goethe able to overcome that tension?

Here is the reply:
Goethe overcame it, yes, and today no one reads him but you and I.

not that easy

I will probably teach two courses for the next academic year, in order to get my tuition waived.

I am not well prepared to teach yet. My original plan is to teach in the fourth year, or at least after I finish all my course work. But the economic situation doesn't allow me to do this.

Meanwhile, I'm trying to transfer some of my Master's credits I did in China.

Life is not that easy. But I still appreciate what I've got now.

I am happy because I enjoy the intellectual life here.

BTW, I met with Prof. McCloskey at the conference. She's soooooo nice! I will send my proposal to her.

it's happy to contribute:)

I didn't contribute very much for the conference, but I really felt the happiness of helping others, even it was only a tiny part!