[sprout]

I think there's an interesting statement being made by this professor about speed, if the thing in question is really his exams.

I mean, he seems to be making the statement that someone who produces excellent papers and research but is incapable of coming up with a coherent response to an arbitrary topic in a short timeframe is unworthy of a PhD.

It seems to me there's a place for people who can't think on their toes, even among the ranks of the official Doctors.