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In science it often happens that scientists say, "You
know, that's a really good argument; my position is
mistaken," and then they would actually change
their minds and you never hear that old view from
them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as
often as it should, because scientists are human and
change is sometimes painful. But it happens every
day. I cannot recall the last time something like
that happened in politics or religion.
--Carl Sagan, astronomer and writer
The University of California at Berkeley wouldn't be such a highly esteemed (and highly ranked) place if we weren't chock full of great innovators, great researchers, and great thinkers. That being said, Berkeley is also host to a terrible case of incestuous amplification. That is to say, because this place is such a haven for “free thinkers” (because there is such a draw to be among likeminded intellectuals), it is often the case that there is that much more of a reinforcement of the “standard Berkeley beliefs”: and this reinforcement can occasionally cause errors in individual and collective judgments.
In order to avoid the onslaught of the lynchmob rising up among you, let me assure you that I'm not necessarily reprimanding you for what you might have recently said or done in your blue-hot rage. While you can feel free to think about such things, I'm not touching that. What I mean to say is that, often, people find themselves critical of everybody but themselves. What have you done to really change things for the better today? If you've got an answer that you feel you could confidently and comfortably tell your boss, your peers, or your students, maybe you're on the right track, and you can feel free to discuss what's wrong with everyone else (for at most the next couple hours,) until tomorrow. If, however, you find yourself drawing a blank…perhaps it's time to cut the carping and get your nose back to the grindstone. Or go watch some delightful internet cartoons. Either way.
This issue of The Berkeley Graduate not only includes the expected news and information about the Graduate Assembly's recent activities, but also a look at some of the compelling research of your peers and an examination of some of the local problems that might have been escaping the purview of your usual criticism. Do your best to keep an open mind…and keep reading!
