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This is somewhat in response to “Range” by David Epstein. Did I like it? Well, I appreciated it. Epstein knows how to disseminate research in a sexy, sensationalist way that draws you in and can drown you in self-doubt if you don’t realize what’s really going on (maybe the second part was just something I experienced…let me know). But I think that’s excellent, and a craft in and of itself. Much like my title! I think so, at least. Anyway, when I read the book, I was faced with the reality that I am choosing a path where the actual entire point is to become a specialist, an expert.
Truth be told, I didn’t even finish the book because it made me angry/sad (I also had to return my library books very late and pay a hefty fine that I am not proud of, so, oops). I started the book just a few days before my doctoral program started, and then I got into the bulk of it in those first few weeks of school. This also happened to be the time that I was trying to figure out what I wanted my research topic to be, and what was feasible in my current position. I was really put off by his claim that generalists rule the world — which turned out more to be because of an insecurity on my part, not that I think he’s wrong (though I don’t believe he’s entirely right either). I wondered if I was making the right step in pursuing a PhD. I now know that I am in the absolute right place, and I am doing a decent job, and I am proud of myself.
