Got to give it to the lads,as always the forums "Usual Suspects" malign the educated, as being according to them, "not too bright". The image they like to purvey is of some dill brain public servant who thinks he is a cut above the rest, a lazy, unscrupulous, self-serving numbskull who creates havoc wherever he goes. Fortunately there is a remedy for these academic charlatans, and its to be found in themselves and those like them, some kinds of rough diamonds, relatively uneducated, but street wise mister-fix-it types. Well fellas tradies have their place, and do perform a vital function in society, we could not do without them.

My advice to you fellas is if you should ever be in the unfortunate position of requiring open heart surgery, do not rely on some trumped up university educated boffin to do the job, just call the ever reliable 'Bill the Plumber' free quotes, reasonable rates, and he'll fix up any stuff ups by that silly university fool, providing its not darts night down at Bill's local.

p.s Also keep the phone number of your favourite undertaker handy, your next of kin might require it!

if you should ever be in the unfortunate position of requiring open heart surgery, do not rely on some trumped up university educated boffin to do the job,
Paul1405,
So far as being insipid is concerned you just jumped out of the fry pan into the fire with a drum of petrol under your arm.
I didn't believe you'd place a scholarly professional into the same category as those pseudo academic intellectuals who're stuck like a gramophone needle on their first multiple choice question success. With those inadequate qualifications we ended up with the tens of thousands of the dimwit, integrity-devoids that you so vehemently defend.
My advise to you in return is to not even attempt to align yourself with those invaluable professionals & I just hope you refrain in future from embarrassing those who became valuable members of our society.

Context is important. As Paul1405 has shown "the exception proves the rule". Some academics I have talked with are mortified at the contemporary "dogma" of University Faculties preventing "real inquiry". Very sad the state of universities. Serious people avoid them and seek enlightenment from alternative sources. There are a few bright souls still at universities- but the rot has settled in and it will take more than one of "Paul1405's Surgeons" to "cut it out".

//I didn't believe you'd place a scholarly professional into the same category as those pseudo academic intellectuals//

Just for the record, can we get a break-down of which qualifications qualify you as 'a scholarly professional' and which only qualify you to be a 'pseudo academic intellectual'?

Does BSc qualify one as a scholarly professional? What about a PhD in science? Or does it have to be the right sort of science, i.e. chemists and physicists qualify, but not those trained in the biological sciences?

I'd really like a straight answer on this one, rather than your usual question avoiding rhetoric. Although I won't hold my breath, as you obviously consider it a sign of weakness to give a straight answer to a straight question.

Paul1405

The problem with fields like Surgery is that every straight A wannabe student wants to get into it, despite having no passion whatsoever for it. Ever seen a prominent plastic surgeon's work in Hollywood? Not much to admire. The proof is in the pudding.

These straight A students are study-holics, and all they do is study, study, and seek tutoring support. There is no skill or passion in today's academia.

Tony Lavis

"30-ish isn't that many"... try double that for fields like Medicine and Law.

As for Bill Gates, he just happened to have a Dad who had all the right connections. Those who made a fortune after doing time at a prominent University are always in a better position to make use of their opportunities than those less fortunate.