"Dissertations are not finished; they are abandoned."
- Fred Brooks
The following story, called "The Parable of the Black Belt," is excerpted from Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, by James C. Collins and Jerry I. Porras.
Picture a martial artist kneeling before the master sensei in a ceremony to receive a hard-earned black belt. After years of relentless training, the student has finally reached a pinnacle of achievement in the discipline.
"Before granting the belt, you must pass one more test," says the sensei.
"I am ready," responds the student, expecting perhaps one final round of sparring.
"You must answer the essential question: What is the true meaning of the black belt?"
"The end of my journey," says the student. "A well-deserved reward for all my hard work."
The sensei waits for more. Clearly, he is not satisfied. Finally, the sensei speaks. "You are not yet ready for the black belt. Return in one year."
A year later, the student kneels again in front of the sensei.
"What is the true meaning of the black belt?" asks the sensei.
"A symbol of distinction and the highest achievement in our art," says the student.
The sensei says nothing for many minutes, waiting. Clearly, he is not satisfied. Finally, he speaks. "You are still not ready for the black belt. Return in one year."
A year later, the student kneels once again in front of the sensei. And again the sensei asks: "What is the true meaning of the black belt?"
"The black belt represents the beginning -- the start of a never-ending journey of discipline, work, and the pursuit of an ever-higher standard," says the student.
"Yes. You are now ready to receive the black belt and begin your work."
To me, there are two lessons in this story.
First, the Ph.D. is the beginning, not the culmination, of your career. Don't worry about making it your magnum opus. Get out sooner, rather than later.
Second, if you bother to talk to and learn from the people who have already gone through this process, you might graduate two years earlier.
Good luck.
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