@RU & Doug S.

You know I sent that physics quote around to my quant friends and I must say there was much nervous giggling, weeping, gnashing of teeth, and then finally smiles of revenge. Even with subprime. Here at my office alone we have 6 quants and I can tell you they enjoy the $$$,$$$. Because living like a monk at CERN can suck.

That doesn't mean that they don't miss "the Great Work that Shines in Beauty" as one self-employed quant, formerly of Sandia, told me. But he enjoys being able to afford great seats at the symphony and playing as much Go as he pleases.