Comment by the__alchemist

#1: Fantastic article. #2: I wonder if, (Overly reductionist take on a nuanced and carefully composed article...) a key element, in addition to the solitude central requirement. (Note: Must it be during youth? That was a trend observed in the article. Brain plasticity, habits etc. And does this mean truly being alone and free from distractions, or just away from negative nancies, bosses, and similar arechetypes?) It must be balanced with the ability to collaborate with the right people. (Or the sort mentioned in the article)

Both in balance. Freedom to work out the ideas in whatever direction you want, "It's been done before"; "this won't work", "This is bad for your career" aside, along with smart, open, supportive people who you can exchange ideas with and collaborate on.

You will note that almost all the mathematical, and renowned natural sciences people of history and contemporary took traditional education paths, i.e. phds at research universities. Hmm.