Letter to a Young Researcher (Editorial‪)‬

Dear X, Although the decade of the 50s is said to be the youth of old age, I have noted that with its dawning intimations of mortality comes a nearly irrepressible impulse to offer unsolicited advice--a habit to which professors are, in any case, particularly disposed and that becomes increasingly pronounced the longer we remain in the business of professing. When offered condescendingly, without due consideration of the values and circumstances of the targeted recipient, by a person held in less than high esteem, or at a time when a student such as yourself is ill-prepared to consider it, advice-giving is often ineffective and even counterproductive. That said, good advice is a key component of quality mentoring. I am honored that you asked me for career advice that might enhance your development and ensure your professional success.