We began by reading about individuals who have contributed well or poorly to the productivity of their groups and labs. We do not pursue our research in solitude. We are supported by others, and others in turn depend on our being accountable. The work of 'heros' is inspiring because it opens our horizons, raises our eyes to look beyond our narrow self-interests. Heros are visionaries who take into account the well-being of people other than themselves.

Despite the fact that you may be a newcomer to the scholarly community, you cannot choose to play a passive role. Others depend on you, they need your enthusiasm, critical eye, and constructive criticism.

The irreducibly communal nature of research points to a fundamental weakness in egoism. Egoism begins with my interests but also ends there. However, few of us think self-interest is the sum of ethics. Is egoism a plausible moral theory?