The Role of Fun in Research, Teaching, and Learning
ERIK DEMAINE: I think fun is a very important part to life in general, and in particular, work. Maybe not so common to view it that way, but I think if you have fun, if you enjoy, and if you're passionate about what you do, then you'll do it well. And you'll be super-productive. And people will love you for it. And so my guiding principle in the research that I do has been to always pursue what I view as fun. And sometimes it's things that are very relatable as fun, like games and puzzles. Sometimes it's more obscure things, but I personally find them really fun. And maybe they're more practical. And so it's also nice to have a mixture. But in teaching, I think learning should also be fun. My dad raised me this way when he was homeschooling me-- and that always, you should learn what you're curious about. And so conversely as a teacher, I want to make material really interesting and intriguing and just fun to learn about, because I think st...