“If I were to try to break into the world of modern dance, after the first few rejections the logical response might be, practice even more. But after the 12,000th rejection, maybe I should realize this isn't a viable career option.”

American academic, neuroscientist, and primatologist

Robert Morris Sapolsky is an American academic, neuroscientist, and primatologist. He is the John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn Professor at Stanford University and a professor of biology, neurology, and neurosurgery. His work focuses on neuroendocrinology, especially the biology of stress. He is also a research associate with the National Museums of Kenya, reflecting a career that links laboratory science with long-term study of primates and their behavior.