I have found building to be the most time-consuming of all the tasks. It can take someone half a lifetime to become a master builder, but only a couple of years to become a master scientist, for example.
This is true. The thing to remember is that it takes a lot less time to research than to build. I mean they have to go all the way over to get the wood or stone. Plus, researchers tend to actually do what they're told. If only doctors would, too.