A Journey in Scientific Pursuit: Rekindling Passion, Embracing Growth

Abstract

This letter is a heartfelt message for those striving in the world of research and a deep conversation with oneself. Written on a rainy night ten years ago, it reflects the fervent belief in a dream. A decade later, it is a tribute to persistence amidst adversity. With candid reflections on struggles and loneliness, and encouragement for growth and hope, it encapsulates a decade of quiet dedication to changing the world. Only through perseverance can one see the light; only with love can one go further. This is not only advice for scholars but also a heartfelt message for all dreamers.?

Foreword

This letter was written a decade ago when I had just received the ARC Future Fellowship and was preparing to explore uncharted territories in information theory and systems science. One rainy night, I penned this letter to the graduate students and postdocs in my research group. A decade has since passed, and the streaks of gray in my hair reflect the passage of time. Over these years, I’ve experienced the rejection of expert systems, the bottlenecks of traditional control theory, and the trials of hardware development. Through countless iterations and forays into the industry, I sought to bridge the academic and industrial realms. Finally, with breakthroughs in AI, my team has gained some technical advantages and received encouraging feedback from the industry, providing me with a chance to drive paradigm shifts. And so, I unearthed this letter from ten years ago.?

This is not merely a letter to young scholars—it feels like a letter to myself. Over the past decade, I have quietly persisted for a vision to change the world, while balancing conventional research, teaching, and industrial applications. My guiding belief has always been: You must survive to do what you truly want to do.?

Below is the letter, slightly revised, from ten years ago.

Lessons from the Path of Research

On the road of research, setbacks, challenges, and solitude are the norm. Your attitude determines whether you can endure and keep going. I’d like to share a few insights that I hope may inspire you.?

1. Cultivate a Strong Core

You need the courage to press on through countless challenges. Success in research is never easy. I’ve often spent years studying hundreds of papers on a single question, only to remain perplexed. A strong core means fewer shortcuts and more grounded effort. Laziness at one stage inevitably exacts a price at the next. Life, in the long run, is fair.

A strong core also means ignoring cynicism and focusing on what you need to do. Few will cheer for you on this long road, so learn to cheer for yourself. Thank those obstacles and difficulties—they help you grow. Research is no place for the fragile; it demands a spirit that rises to the challenge.?

2. Learn to Find Joy in Study and Life

If pursuing a PhD feels like torment, perhaps you shouldn’t continue. Research should be driven by passion and curiosity. If you resist your field, topic, or even your mentor and peers, how can you excel? Finding joy amidst the pressure is the key to sustained motivation.?

3. Embrace Effort and Listening

Don’t shy away from hard work during your learning phase. Many experimental techniques can only be mastered through repeated practice. Reluctance to put in effort makes it difficult to gain the support of others. At the same time, learn to listen—to mentors, peers, and seniors. Listening reflects understanding and empathy, not self-centeredness. Remember: your mind should always be quicker than your mouth to truly learn.

4. Honor Your Promises to Yourself

Set realistic goals—neither too ambitious nor overly conservative—and strive to achieve them. The academic world values integrity. Losing the trust of your group makes it hard to establish yourself. More critically, breaking promises to yourself erodes motivation and fosters a habit of making excuses. Life doesn’t change because of tears, and neither do mentors appreciate excuses.?

5. Position Yourself Properly

Be humble. When you interact with top scientists, you’ll find most are modest and approachable. No matter how accomplished you are, you might still be a novice in a broader context. Acknowledging your limitations is the first step toward growth.?

Practical Tips for Researchers?

1)????? Reading Literature: In 2-3 months, thoroughly read 10-15 specialized papers to build your academic vocabulary. Aim to approach the speed of reading in your native language within a year.?

2)????? Building Knowledge: Synchronize textbook and literature study to solidify your theoretical foundation.?

3)????? Logical Thinking: Train your logic consistently. Before convincing others, learn to convince yourself.?

4)????? Writing Skills: Avoid hasty writing before publishing 2-3 papers. Start with imitation and refer to journals like Nature and Science.?

5)????? Experimental Skills and Literature Tracking: Master the necessary experimental skills and familiarize yourself with key literature from the past decade. Half-hearted experiments will jeopardize your career.?

6)????? Problem-Solving: Actively identify issues in your field and tackle them with all your might. This shapes your future in the discipline.?

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A Final Note?

Pursuing a PhD is your own endeavor. Advisors provide guidance, but ultimately, Your project is your duty. Go ahead with conviction!?

I hope this letter inspires you and helps you forge ahead on your research journey.

特填词三首，祝诸君都能做出自己满意的成果！

《沁园春·科研路》

十载蹉跎，

冷眼寒霜，初心未移。

忆雨夜提笔，风中立志；

踏学海深处，问道何疑。

百难千折，仍怀壮志，

笑对前程路险崎。

须知此，乃修心之业，学子之基。

频年探索何期？

叹得失盈亏皆自知。

看文山书海，常燃斗志；

实验室灯火，长伴晨曦。

冷暖共尝，甘苦自享，

寂寞光阴化传奇。

当自励，更平心定气，续写华章题。

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《破阵子·科研长路》

铁砚磨穿几度，寒窗破晓千灯。

百卷精研寻路远，万类纷纭理欲明，春秋听雪声。

困境常来如雨，初心点亮无声。

十载甘从孤影伴，只为苍穹寄愿行，书成笑自荣。

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《青玉案·初心明志》

十年修道初心在，

冷霜染，两鬓改。

百折千磨无悔碍，

夜灯如昼，书山万载，

甘苦何曾怠。

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闲时独立秋风外，

笑看云舒人渐快。

山岳崎岖行未艾，

前程虽远，心中有海，

纵步天地迈。

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