Monday, October 22, 2018

The Road Less Travelled


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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