I think the most important thing in life is to be true to yourself.
I think the most important thing in life is to be able to look at yourself in the mirror and feel good about who you are.
Separate the processes of creation from improving. You can’t write and edit, or sculpt and polish, or make and analyze at the same time. If you do, the editor stops the creator. While you invent, don’t select. While you sketch, don’t inspect. While you write the first draft, don’t reflect. At the start, the creator mind must be unleashed from judgement.
The Langlands program is a reflection of the depth and beauty of mathematical thought.