In a letter to former student Koichi Mano, Feynman expresses concern over his apparent unhappiness with his research direction. Feynman advises him to prioritize simpler, solvable problems over more grandiose ones, emphasizing that true satisfaction in science comes from tackling issues within one's grasp. He reflects on his mentoring style, admitting that he imposed challenges rather than allowing students to choose their own. Feynman emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process of solving problems, regardless of their perceived significance.
A problem is grand in science if it lies before us unsolved and we see some way for us to make some headway into it.
I would advise you to take even simpler, or as you say, humbler, problems until you find some you can really solve easily, no matter how trivial.
You must not take away from yourself these pleasures because you have some erroneous idea of what is worthwhile.
With you I made a mistake, I gave you the problem instead of letting you find your own.
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