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I've spent months on end in the lab doing mind-numbing repetitive experiments just to create one graph. But when it works, and it all slots together in my head and I can see what is in front of me, it's amazing. Ironically, it can take a lot of faith to keep going in the hope that those moments will materialise.
But if you want really grisly a biography of Newton would be a good read. We have met the enemy, and he is us — Pogo
So, to be more precise: Rationality and all that derives is far more inspiring. Rationality sets the necessary constraints to creativity. As for the day to day practice of science, the heuristics necessary to confront theory with facts, it's hard work, frustrating and exalting, but not boring.
When you have put together hundreds of chemical solutions to do the same experiment for each one with repeat readings for each, all having to be done manually, requiring no let up in concentration and taking from 8am through to 9pm without anything but short breaks and taking many weeks to complete - then come back and tell me the process isn't boring!
I far preferred working in a factory because I could do my tasks without thinking about them which left my brain free to wander to more interesting things.
I suppose that any chosen career will have it's dull periods though.
As I'm a chronic life-long daydreamer I still manage to think outside the task at hand despite necessary attention. Too much concentration is detrimental in my case. I'm prone to step out of my immediacy and monitor muscular tension or my movements as I work, or at times what is going on in my mind. A sort of silent meta-thinking that I greatly enjoy.
It was good for discipline and hones attention to detail but, I much prefer day dreaming. Some of my best ideas have emerged from a wandering brain.
Nothing beats daydreaming!
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