Summary of Key Points
This interview features legendary Bell Labs scientist Hamming sharing his lifelong experiences in scientific research: from how to avoid being controlled by tools (his suggestion for the small machine that led to UNIX), to the pressures and choices required for success, to the sources of courage and methods for maintaining creativity (regularly changing fields and surrounding yourself with inspiring people), as well as the wisdom behind presenting results and dealing with fame. The core message is: To conduct successful research, the key lies in taking active control of your own life—choosing the right direction, coping with pressure, and embracing change, rather than simply going with the flow.
Detailed Breakdown of the Interview
1. Avoiding Tools from Controlling Research: How Did UNIX Come About?
While at Bell Labs, Hamming observed that researchers were constantly busy maintaining large computers and had no time for actual research. He advised management, “Don’t give them big machines; give them the smallest machines possible!” Because intelligent people would find ways to make the most of these limited resources. As a result, researchers developed the UNIX system, which is the precursor to today’s widely used Linux and macOS.
The host later joked that UNIX was never intended to produce tangible results, but it was precisely this exploratory approach that led to a technology that changed the world. Hamming’s logic is simple: Tools are meant to serve research, not the other way around. Relying too heavily on resources can make people lazy; only by forcing yourself to use limited tools can you foster innovation.
2. The Price of Success: Greatness Comes with Pressure
Hamming mentioned that he suffered from early-stage stomach ulcers due to the constant stress at Bell Labs. He quoted a baseball coach: “Nice guys always finish last.” This means that if you want to avoid difficulties and please everyone, don’t expect to become a great scientist. To achieve something significant, you must endure pressure and even sacrifice your health.
Later, when he moved to the Naval Research Institute, his life became more relaxed, and his health improved, but he acknowledged that this came at the cost of a “less remarkable” lifestyle. This isn’t to say that you have to sacrifice your health; it’s a reminder that there are no free lunches in success—you must choose: comfort or breakthrough?
3. Where Does Courage Come From? It’s Part of the Times, but More About Your Own Preparation
When asked about today’s youth’s reluctance to take risks, Hamming pointed out that people from the post-World War II generation (like himself) had just experienced major successes with projects like the atomic bomb and radar, which gave them the courage to challenge everything. Today’s young people don’t have that same context, but he also noted a lack of the desire for greatness. His advice is to seek opportunities even in the absence of favorable circumstances. For example, when he met Feynman, he knew Feynman would achieve great things—not because of luck, but because Feynman was always ready to seize opportunities. Luck favors those who are prepared; you must first make yourself worthy of those opportunities.
4. Maintaining Creativity: Regularly Change Fields to Avoid Stagnation
To avoid becoming repetitive, Hamming suggested changing research fields every seven years or so—他从 numerical analysis to hardware, and then to software. He explained that staying in one field for too long can lead to a depletion of ideas and constraints imposed by old methods. Shannon (the father of information theory) is an example; his career stagnated because he never changed fields.
Hamming also disliked formal brainstorming sessions and preferred to be around people who could inspire him—those who would ask challenging questions rather than simply agreeing with everything. Interacting with intelligent and bold individuals can spark new ideas.
5. Presenting Results: Papers for Immediate Impact, Books for Long-Term Value
Hamming recommended spending at least 50% of your time on presenting research results. Writing papers allows others to understand your work immediately, but writing books ensures that your ideas will be remembered decades later. Knowledge is growing rapidly (doubling every 17 years), and people need “guiding principles” rather than a collection of scattered papers.
He also explained the origin of the “Hamming window”—a term coined by another renowned scientist, Tukey, in recognition of Hamming’s contributions. However, Hamming believed that true greatness is reflected in having your name written in lowercase (like Ampere or Watt), as a reminder that fame is a consequence, not an end goal; the real value lies in how much you have impacted people.
Final Message
Hamming’s advice is straightforward: When conducting research (or any endeavor), don’t let tools, comfort, or fame control you. Take active control of your life—choose the right direction, cope with pressure, and embrace change to create something truly valuable. This applies not only to scientific research but to every aspect of our personal careers.