Some insights and bits of advice reassert their value over time. Here’s a collection of such proverbs, which is likely to grow over time. Similarly, individual proverbs are likely to find their way into blog discussions.
Research is a discourse.
Good research requires rigour and rhetoric: do good work; tell a good story.
The only stupid question is the one you didn’t ask.
Don’t make a statement when you can ask a question.
A PhD is pass/fail.
What ‘everyone understands’ is often wrong.
KISS (i.e., keep it simple, stupid).
You never lose by giving credit.
Assume good faith: when things go wrong, start from ‘cock-up’, not conspiracy.
Beware error by proxy.
Look before you touch; think before you tinker.