[BillC]

I agree that playing poker full time is a young man's game (or for retirees). I have the freedom to play a lot of poker b/c of my flexible academic hours. But I don't. It is too tedious and boring. I do like poker but not full time. I like poker theory too. But compared with other activites, it doesn't compare. It doesn't contribute much to humanity, human knowledge, the general good, etc. It is not totally trivial but not really that deep either. It's a freakin' card game, not quantum mechanics.

If you are a really bright kid, why not just get an advanced degree that will pay a good and stable income. Just get an MBA, medical or law degree. If you want ot be a bum, just get a Ph.D. and play poker on the side. What is the big deal?