Joy of Research

The word "research" derives its origin from the French word
"recherche" that means "an intensive force to search" which epitomizes the intensity and passion characterizing the pursuit of research. This pursuit is lifelong and is often fraught with alternating peaks and troughs in achieving the stated outcomes and objectives. It is this elusive nature of "success" in research, "optimal disenchantment" with what one has achieved so far and the firm belief that ones best is yet to come that push the frontiers of human enterprise and creativity. From extrinsic validation like prizes, rewards, name, fame reputation and so on, the journey of research invariably leads a serious practitioner into a space where the intrinsic joy of finding out something new becomes the key and only driver. The reward is intrinsically present and is in the work itself. This has close parallels with the Bhagavad Gita that goads man to work at his best without worrying about the fruits of the labour. Often, true success in research can be truly felt only we are in the autumn of our lives or after we pass away – Time is the highest court to decide on this matter! The ultimate goal of any researcher is to get that “immortal status” – Becoming ‘ananta “ – “infinite”.

Drawing from contemporary theories on intelligence, hard work, flow, creativity and motivation and by looking at lessons from history combined with the authors own research experience at IIT Madras, this book attempts to look at the spirit behind the pursuit of research, particularly scientific research and ways to make this a real joy. The book is not intended to be a text or treatise on research methodology.

While the book is intended for all researchers, it is specially targeted at motivating budding researchers and those in the early years of their research careers.