Hi Mitchell,
Thank you for sharing this! I found the connection between historical satire and modern challenges in getting things done very interesting. While I'm not deeply involved in research or grant writing myself, I can relate to the idea that even with resources and good intentions, achieving results often depends on coordination, priorities, and human factors. I'll definitely check out the paper and your recommended book.
Best regards,
Darya
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Darya Stanskova M.ASCE
Cost Estimator, Construction Engineer, Power Engineer, Project Manager
Fort Myers FL
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-26-2026 09:25 AM
From: Mitchell Winkler
Subject: Why We Cannot Get Things Done
I just finished Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, and I highly recommend it. One of the highlights was learning about this 2012 paper in Genome Biology on research and grant writing.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/gb-2012-13-5-155
I was able to download the PDF without issue.
The paper, all of two pages, is a satirical commentary f featuring a fictional dialogue between Christopher Columbus and the Spanish monarchs.
So as not to spoil, I will only say many of you will relate 100%.
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Mitch Winkler P.E.(inactive), M.ASCE
Houston, TX
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