In the ordinary course of a woman’s
life she will be a daughter, a wife, a mother and an employee. Perhaps she will
become a professional of some kind so you can add that role to her list but the
fact is that until very recently this latter role was either non-existent or
still at the bottom of the list of her “roles”. I was really interested, even
fascinated, to read the story of Marie Curie who very determinedly stood out as
a scientist first, everything else was secondary. It is the more remarkable
because she did this in the 19th century and it was a very conscious
decision. Not only did she ensure that HER findings would be recognized as hers
rather than her husband’s but she also worked diligently to have both their
papers published as quickly as possible in order to be recognized for their
research. Even so they were beaten to the punch a few times.
After Pierre’s death Marie hired
governesses to care for their two daughters while she continued on with her
work. It’s interesting to note that her daughter Irene followed her into
science while Eve excelled in the humanities. Both daughters made their own
mark in their fields, Irene also getting a Nobel Prize while Eve worked
tirelessly for UNICEF. Oddly enough her husband got a Nobel Prize for his work
but she did not despite working beside him. Meanwhile Irene got her prize along
with her husband (not to discount Irene’s work, but rather to highlight that
her sister’s work did not gain the same respect as her husband’s).
Irene’s children also excelled in
the sciences but did not get a Nobel Prize and her grandson is an
astrophysicist.
A remarkable legacy for a
remarkable woman.
Reportedly Albert Einstein said
of her that she was probably the only person who could not be corrupted by
fame.
"To all the little girls who
are watching, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of
every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own
dreams." —Hillary Clinton
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