In the pursuit of understanding mathematics, it is crucial to question, challenge and explore different possibilities. The process of discovering new mathematics can be messy and filled with dead ends, but these failed attempts are essential for deepening one’s understanding and ultimately finding the correct path. It is important to not shy away from asking “stupid” questions and challenging conventional wisdom, as the answers can lead to surprising conclusions or shed light on why the conventional wisdom exists. In seminars or lectures, asking constructive questions can help clarify issues and provide valuable feedback to the speaker. However, questions that do not contribute to the flow of the talk are best saved for later. Overall, embracing curiosity and asking questions is pivotal in advancing scientific research.
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