To advance, you must risk offending someone

To advance in the academic world you must risk offending someone,

 

"Yes, I am afraid it is not enough to  display originality," said the gowned one, as he stood roasting his arse by the roaring fire.

 

I mean I look at your work and undeniably one sees a certain wit, indeed, one might go as far to say, ingenuity. 

 

But the thing is you see, dear boy,  you also have to be willing to risk offending someone. Effectively You must endeavour to create academic controversy.