Is Rick Sanchez The New Role Model For Data Scientists?
Probably Not, But Perhaps He Should Be…
Rick Sanchez would never call himself a role model. And by most assessments he wouldn’t be a very good one, at least in most people’s opinion. Not that Rick would care…
Rick is politically incorrect, harshly critical, cynical, and contrarian. He believes most people are stupid and judges himself the smartest person in the universe. In his fictional universe, he is most likely right. But these aren’t the characteristics that most people seek in a role model.
Perhaps though, they should, especially in the field of science. Doubly so in the field of data science. There is plenty of real world precedent. Nietzsche, Popper, and Taleb — are just a few examples of famous philosophers and scientists who built a reputation refuting the claims of supposedly smart people. Is Rick any different? Aside from being fictional…
Even Einstein built his fame upon refuting Isaac Newton. Of course, Einstein was nicer about it. In Rick’s universe, he has occasionally been mistaken for Einstein… well, Einstein for him.
Perhaps we would all be served by a little less reverence and a bit more cynicism. That may seem extreme judged relative to our ever more cynical society, but that cynicism has not extended to the scientific world, where four-out-of-five scientists now dictate plenty of popular theory and knowledge. Our scientific world remains rather timid and non-confrontational. So maybe a little more Rick is exactly what they need?
Rick’s point of view on education is not exactly PC either, but recently it is not so out-of-line with a lot of educated opinions. It is certainly more in-your-face, but at least in the realm of science, there is a purity to unfiltered feedback. And it is the antithesis of the realm we call politics… which increasing pervades everything from science and education, to sports and entertainment.
On a more positive note, Rick embraces new technology, new perspectives, and infinite possibilities. He is a teacher, a white boarder, an inventor, and a problem solver. He is a multi-dimensional thinker, yet practical. He is a mathematician and a story teller. He even recognizes his own fallibility and non-uniqueness. He just knows he is more Rick than anyone else. Well, one of him does.
Whether he likes it or not, he is also a mentor and even a role model. Flawed as he may be, he is a pretty solid model. Which is to say — one that can be learned from. Not all role models need always be positive, nor even right. What they need to be is direct. They need to provide clear insight and feedback. Rick captures this in spades… most of the time.
So thanks for reading! Watch more Rick and Morty. And try to learn something!
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