At its best, a PhD can give you a whole new perspective on the world, new skills and new abilities, along with a finished project that makes a dramatic impact in your field and in your wider community. Taken to its logical extent, a PhD can even change the world.

For those writing or commencing a PhD project, take some pride. It is time for you to use your intellect and passion towards creating something ground-breaking. Let this book be a guiding light in a field of academic darkness, where professors, supervisors and other students will try to put out that light and keep you from trying to do something worthwhile.