Research Is a State of MindFor many years there has been much misunderstanding as to just what research is. The popular conception seems to be that there is something mysterious about it, and before any research can be done it is necessary to have expensive scientific apparatus and large, elaborately equipped laboratories. Actually, this is not so. __26__ It is a simple, organized way of trying to accomplish something you wish to do—so simple that anyone can do research anywhere at any time.First, you select the problem you would like to solve, then you list at least ten reasons why it has not been solved. __27__ It takes just as much effort to solve a useless problem as a useful one. __28__After carefully—and I want to emphasize that word “carefully”—selecting the problem and the ten things between you and the solution, you then use the same procedure as in solving a crossword puzzle. __29__ In the solution of the remaining obstacles you may need some simple apparatus, but the things you will probably need most are infinite patience and persistence. Few people realize the difficulties of doing any new thing.Maybe one of the reasons people are so easily discouraged is because of their education. During all our years at school we were examined two or three times a year. If we failed once, we were out. __30__ If we are going to make progress, we must learn to fail intelligently so that we won't become discouraged at the 99.9 per cent failure.