Such Precarious Balance The Difficulty of Being a Doctoral Student

Abstract

être, équilibre, doctorant, apprenti-génie, langue étrangère.

Abstract — What are the essential basics of being a doctoral student? The question may seem naive, but it is remarkably insightful in its simplicity and uncompromising in its frankness. Yet there is nothing unusual or mysterious about scientific writing; again, appearances are deceiving, for objective thought also demands a creative imagination that transcends the depths of reflection. The balance then proves so precarious that the young doctoral student must demonstrate a sustained interest fueled solely by personal curiosity. Under the spotlight, however, the young doctoral student refuses to paint a self-portrait: a poor choice for a budding genius lost in the open-air labyrinths of a foreign language whose cultural anchor has become detached.

Keywords: Being, Balance, Doctoral Student, Apprentice Genius, Foreign Language