Too Much String

The speaker discusses the rise of string theory and their decision to avoid studying it due to the rapid pace of publications by young researchers. They share a story about receiving a postcard from Ander Strawminger, a string theorist, from a remote location in China, highlighting the global spread of string theory. The speaker explains that string theory is popular because it is inexpensive to pursue, leading to many jobs but also an oversaturation of theorists. They express concern that only a fraction of the 10,000 string theorists worldwide are making significant contributions, creating a precarious situation for the rest.

Why did the speaker choose not to engage with string theory?

• They were not interested in physics.

• They found it too complex to understand.

• They believed it was not a good use of their time.

• They thought it was a dying field.

What surprising fact did the speaker learn from Ander Strawminger's postcard?

• String theory is no longer studied in China.

• String theorists are found even in remote places like Hulamuchi.

• There are no string theorists in remote areas.

• String theory is only popular in Europe.

What is one reason for the widespread presence of string theorists according to the speaker?

• String theory is easy to learn.

• It is a cost-effective way to maintain a modern physics department.

• String theory is the only field in physics with job opportunities.

• String theorists are highly paid.

What is the main problem caused by the oversupply of string theorists?

• There is not enough work for all string theorists.

• String theory is becoming too popular.

• String theorists are taking over other fields.

• Physics departments are running out of funds.

How many string theorists does the speaker believe are truly contributing to the field?

• Approximately 1,000 string theorists.

• About 5,000 string theorists.

• All 10,000 string theorists.

• None of the string theorists.