A couple of days ago, I asked a scientific group leader what he thinks is the difference between research in Switzerland and in the U.S.A. He answered me as follows:
“Think of a crazy idea you may have. And of a rather difficult experiment that may somehow demonstrate it. It’s Friday afternoon, you’re having a beer with your colleagues and you tell them about your idea. In Switzerland, your colleagues will tell you that, first of all, it’s Friday; and second, you may better focus on getting your things done rather than getting involved in something unsure. You never know what can happen. A plea for security. In the U.S.A., you’d have some more beer to better discuss your crazy idea. And you’d run back into the lab.”