What Could a Beethoven Symphony and Your Doctoral Thesis Have in Common?
The art of insisting until achieving perfect harmony

Pursuing a doctorate is an act of true tenacity, especially in times when everything moves so quickly and with a great sense of urgency—from WhatsApp messages to work deadlines. More than an academic goal, it is a commitment to depth, excellence, and above all, patience.

Does this say something to you?

Ludwig van Beethoven, considered one of the greatest creators of Western music, was a persistent perfectionist. This is evident, as it is known that many of his scores went through countless versions before reaching the results we enjoy today, in every note. He did not just compose—he recomposed.

It is at that point in history where the comparison with a doctorate becomes clear. You are not simply writing a thesis—the goal is to rewrite it until it sounds as good as possible. Remember, a doctoral thesis is built and perfected through successive versions, critical analysis, and refinement. This method has been applied by many successful people throughout history, yielding favorable results.

Thomas Edison, known for his saying “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration,” conducted more than 6,000 experiments before finding the right filament for a practical and durable light bulb, making his discovery an achievement of tenacity and constant iteration.

Don’t worry, no one starts as Beethoven.

It is very common for people who are considering starting a doctorate to question whether they will be “capable” of finishing it or if they are “smart enough.” This is more common than you might think.

A study published by Nature magazine (2020) indicated that approximately 62% of doctoral students reported experiencing impostor syndrome at some point in their careers.

This is where another emphasis is placed on the music and history of Beethoven, as he began to lose his hearing even before composing many of his most celebrated pieces. Far from having an advantage to cling to, he had a method grounded in his perseverance and clear vision of what he wanted to express.

It’s not important to be the best in your field—what matters is starting and persevering.

Three recommendations to help you take the first step,

Make sure to choose a topic that you enjoy and, above all, are passionate about. It doesn’t matter if it’s trendy. Passion will be the driving force you need.

Try to make your schedule as realistic as possible—faster doesn’t mean better.

Be meticulous when choosing your advisor or mentor. It’s important that you have good communication and aligned goals to better develop your project.

Sometimes studying sounds like noise, not music.

Little is said about the fact that pursuing a doctorate tends to have difficult stages where nothing seems to make sense. Between chapters that don’t flow naturally, theoretical frameworks that don’t align, and data that doesn’t seem to fit, it can be perceived as a struggle. However, often the issue isn’t about lacking talent—it’s about going through a stage where you need to “rewrite,” just as Beethoven did many times.

The original manuscript of Piano Sonata No. 28 was analyzed by musicologist Joseph Kerman, who found approximately 70 corrections in the first bars. These are not mistakes—they are tests, trials, and, of course, exploration.

In the same way, you must be aware that your thesis will not be perfect on the first try, but every change is a step closer to the best possible version of your work.

Beethoven always carried a notebook with him, where he jotted down melodies, thoughts, or random ideas. Some parts of those sketches are now symphonies, while others never saw the light of day. What we can take from this is the habit and the consistency.

Recommendations for this halfway point:

Have your own notebook or method to jot down all your ideas, no matter how small they may seem.

Try to surround yourself with like-minded people—collaboration is a strengthening factor.

Make it a priority to take conscious breaks. It’s very easy to fall into intellectual exhaustion. Music also needs silence to sound right.

Interesting fact: Beethoven had a habit of walking approximately 5 to 10 kilometers while composing his music. It helped clear his mind, find inspiration, and discover new rhythms. Today, various studies recommend daily walks as a way to stimulate creativity at the cognitive level. Keep that in mind!

After graduation is when the work truly comes to life

So... what happens when the thesis is finished? Often, one feels a void after closing such an important chapter. After years of dedication, that silence can be overwhelming. And that is when the work begins to live outside of you.

The success of a doctorate is not only measurable by the degree in your hands—it is the impact of your thinking in the professional, academic, and social world. Your mind is now capable of seeing patterns, analyzing deeply, generating new ideas, and maintaining discipline.

Recommendations for after the end

You can publish articles in a scientific journal.

Participate in conferences on relevant topics.

Maintain ties with the research community.

Motivate and be a catalyst for change for others in their process, without hiding your own mistakes.

Explore new areas—knowing more than one discipline is a growth advantage.

Additional advice: return to your melody whenever necessary. Do not abandon your research—it can always sound different if you return to it with fresh ears.

Note before concluding: The imperfect can also be beautiful

Have you ever heard that Beethoven used to leave blank spaces in his scores so that the performer could “feel” the moment? Not everything is written out. Both music and knowledge require a bit of emotion, intuition, and risk.

The same goes for your thesis—it’s not about perfection. It’s about being true, solid, and your own, because it will not sound like anyone else, but like you.

Key facts for inspiration

The countries with the highest investment in research and doctoral education are also those with the highest rates of business innovation, according to the OECD (2024).

It is said that approximately 54% of doctoral students who are adults in Latin America also work while studying (UNESCO, 2023).

Having a doctoral degree can earn you 23% more than someone with only a master’s degree (World Economic Forum, 2023).

A noteworthy reality is that 67% of graduates from online doctoral programs say it allowed them to transform their careers without giving up their lifestyle (Educause Review, 2022).

The end of a symphony is only the beginning of something greater!

Just like Beethoven, who was able to transform all the noise around him—especially in his mind—into music that transcends generations, set your goal to turn all your questions, concerns, and experiences into truly valuable knowledge. The doctorate aims to refine ideas until they express something true and, like an incredible symphony, resonate with those who witness it.

Are you ready to begin the symphony of your legacy?