"Choosing problems is the primary determinant of what one accomplishes in science."

Work on meaningful work or work on meaningless work.

"I would only add that experts are good at _answering_ questions. If you are brash enough, _ask your own_. Don’t worry too much about how you found them."

Hopfield's work touched so many different fields it's incredible. A rare example of someone who couldn't just stick to one thing, but made an impact in multiple areas.