I have a dilemma and I thought of no better place to ask:
How does one create a unique idea or write a thesis that is worth writing/reading in an academic environment that facilitates only the mundane and useless?
Clearly I’m indicating the American higher education system and the discrepancy of relative truths; whereas Smith and Keynes alike could be certainly valid under certain assumptions that are ultimately unsolvable (I don’t believe this). Being unable to write about what I’d aspire to, I am instead forced to run regressions to find causality between somethings and nothings, drowning myself in econometrics as I go.
I’m sure this depressed state will pass soon and I’ll bear writing on something completely useless. But still, I thought I could probe some minds and see if anyone has any thoughts.
As another said, just do it! Start with journaling, then proceed to independent essays then independent papers, etc. Why would you wait for advisors approval on anything? When i was an undergrad i became so fed up with the all the extra BS classes for my major that i dropped down to 12 credits a semester and started reading a book a week (of my own economic interests)
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As depressing as it is, I say write something boring and tedious. Then either get out of the system or get a community college job that doesn’t depend on research and write what you want to write. Or go my route - teaching at a prep school. Message me for more information on that life, if it interests you.
As for a job, the only places I intend on applying for a PhD are schools like GMU and those of the Austrian persuasion, even though my writings won’t be to par. If that doesn’t succeed, I am looking towards special interest groups.
The life that interests me is the one I can do the most good in.
Ah, I see. Well, in case you’re interested, I’ll tell you a bit about boarding school teaching. I teach in all departments, and gear my classes towards my current research. I have complete curricular freedom, with department guidelines and suggestions. I work closely with troubled students, particularly those who have been kicked out of other schools for behavior and other issues, as well as those with learning disabilities. I gear the curriculum towards the student, and can invent new classes as needed to fit their needs. In exchange, I receive a free on-campus house and modest pay. I recommend it if you like academics but not the politics.
As far as lifestyle, I’d say i do better than 90% of Americans. I know and like my neighbors, I live in a real community where we help each other, and I have constant motivation to improve myself.
