Citation Counts Are Overrated; Focus on the Joy of Research
prajdabre · x · 2026-08-15
The author argues that citation counts are gameable, overrated, and a poor metric for research impact. Instead of comparing oneself to others, researchers should focus on their intrinsic motivation and the process of discovery. He shares a personal anecdote about winning a best paper award for a project with his mother, which has only 3 citations but is highly valued by him. He quotes the Bhagavad Gita to emphasize focusing on one's duty rather than the fruits of actions.
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