Motivation
Sun Nov 26 20:28:30 EST 2006
From "My Life as a Quant: Reflections on Physics and Finance" by Emanuel Derman:
There was one elementary fact that many of our bosses were unable to grasp: We were building these models and systems not just because somebody authorised it, but rather we thought they were the right thing to do, because these questions fascinated us. We saw a problem, discerned a need, became absorbed, and tackled it. It was all-engrossing. ... I would find myself thinking about the problems in mental pictures while I showered or took a run in the park. Sometimes I lay in bed unable to put the picture out of my mind. We worked hard out of passion, pride, and the pleasure of being thanked, recognized, and appreciated; of course, we also worked for money, but money alone wasn't enough.
[notes]