Traits of a typical physics student (or -ist)

1. hate philosophy at first (e.g. Feynman, as I was told, but Feynman hates philosophy throughout his life; unlike Einstein, who loves it)

"No, I read a lot, but not as much as you, I think. I also hated philosophy at first, and I still hate much of it, but there is great value in some of it, and I finally understand that much can be gained by thinking in a different style from a physicist at times."

2. a broad range of interests (including other people's ground)

"Thanks for all of the advice and book recommendations. Even if you say you don't read much Chinese literature, I'm glad for the advice you gave me. Because you're much closer to China than I am, you probably have a better idea than I do. I've tried talking to some Chinese people directly, but most of them don't seem that interested in the history of their country, and for many, they are just too uncomfortable to talk about it, or don't care, so it's hard to get good advice."

3. using analogies that only "us" would come up with

"I really like your point about the Cultural Revolution being an anomaly for China.So it's strange to recommend that book to traveler's as an introduction to the country. hmmm....it's like, teaching a person about the "ether" of the early 20th century to explain light propagation if they've never studied physics...more of an unusual event, than a usual one. I'm looking forward to reading those books you recommended."

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although these are probably not the traits of a good "modern" physicist..

well, spending 2.5 hrs in exchange for a 1-hour response doesn't sound fair at all, but still, my belief is, when culture crashes, something unusual happens.. so I would keep it up..

again, I recommend Qian Chongshu's "Fortress Besieged" and Jinyong's "White horse in the west wind".. haha.. when will I receive their comments that they like the stories?

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I've taken his advices and recommendations too:

In the Heat of the Night
To Kill a Mockingbird
Heart of Darkness

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maitenance: An Inquiry into Values, Robert M. Pirsig
History of Western Philosophy, Bertrand Russell
Plato's Republic, Allan Bloom
The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists, Neil Strauss

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I met Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad today.. I heard of his another work known as Lord Jim, and found one abridged edition in my home, so I suppose it would be a great story..

As for philosophy, I think, the meaning of life is for sure a valid philosophical question.. and I really couldn't say I hate it now.. coz I am thinking about it day in and day out..