On Tuesday July 17th my wife and I attended the
degree congregation at Warwick University where our son, Dana, was receiving
his Ph.D. in Engineering. During the same ceremony Professor Sir David King FRS
received a Hon DSC from the university and he addressed the audience of
graduates, university staff and proud parents. Sir David’s speech to the young graduates who
were starting out on their careers was both interesting and full of
encouragement and during it he said something that was very pertinent and made
me reflect on it. Advising the young people embarking on their careers he said,
‘Take your work seriously, take your friends seriously, but never take yourself
seriously. Pomposity is the enemy of civilization.’
I have thought about this advice to the young graduates and
realized what good advice it is. I have met many people who are too full of
their own importance and are truly their own enemies but also prevent or impede
their colleagues, and indeed their fellow countrymen, from beneficial progress.
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