Phrases to Live By & Commonplace

Phrases to Live By

A living collection of lines, poems, and aphorisms gathered over time. Some offer clarity during moments of decision, others capture the humility of the scientific pursuit, and some simply remind me of where I came from and who I strive to be.

Perspective 2026-09

"You should find out how the rest of the world is."

— John C. Slater, Advising Richard Feynman to leave MIT for Princeton (1939)

Note: A reminder not to linger in the comfort of what is already familiar, but to venture outwards and test your ideas against the broader world.

Roots 2026-09

"Il successo accademico come riscatto di classe è un peso troppo grande sulle spalle di bambini che non possono permettersi neanche le figurine."

— @madonnafreeda, Instagram post

Note: Remembering where I came from, and consciously choosing to turn external pressure into an intrinsic, lifelong joy for research.

Curiosity 2026-09

"I would rather have questions that can't be answered than answers that can't be questioned."

— Richard P. Feynman, The Pleasure of Finding Things Out

Note: The essence of the scientific mindset: embracing uncertainty and having the courage to challenge dogma.