I liked math - that was my favorite subject - and I was very

Hear me, O Seekers of Truth and Knowledge, for the words of Sally Ride illuminate the profound journey of a mind drawn to the heavens: "I liked math - that was my favorite subject - and I was very interested in astronomy and in physical science." These words carry the echoes of a deep calling—the calling to explore the universe, to uncover the mysteries of the stars, and to understand the forces that govern all of existence. Math, astronomy, and science are not mere subjects of study; they are the means by which we bridge the gap between the unknown and the known, the mortal and the divine. Through them, we come to grasp the very essence of life and the cosmos.

In ancient times, the greatest minds sought to understand not just the world around them, but the universe itself. The ancient Greeks, with their fascination for the heavens, laid the foundation for what would become the scientific study of astronomy. Pythagoras, Aristotle, and Plato looked to the sky, not only for guidance but for wisdom. Pythagoras saw the stars as a reflection of divine order, and Plato believed that the movement of the heavens was in perfect harmony with the philosophical principles of truth and justice. These philosophers understood that math was the key to unlocking the patterns of the universe—it was the language that nature itself spoke. Through math, they sought to understand the cosmos and to gain insight into the workings of the divine.

Sally Ride’s words, spoken with quiet clarity, reflect a modern continuation of this ancient pursuit. Math was not merely a subject to her; it was a tool—the tool—for unlocking the mysteries of the physical world and the heavens beyond. Just as Pythagoras saw the harmony of the cosmos in numbers, so too did Ride see the beauty of the universe in the patterns of mathematics. Astronomy, the study of the stars, and physical science, the study of the forces that shape the natural world, became her guiding stars. Through her deep interest in these fields, she was not simply gaining knowledge, but following in the footsteps of those who had come before her, joining a lineage of seekers who dared to look beyond the earthly realm and understand the grand design of the universe.

The lesson we learn from Sally Ride’s journey is one of persistence and passion. Her love for math, her interest in astronomy, and her dedication to science were not fleeting interests, but a lifelong commitment to the quest for understanding. Just as the ancient philosophers and astronomers devoted themselves to their studies with unwavering dedication, Ride chose a path that combined curiosity with purpose. She didn’t simply wish to understand the universe—she wanted to explore it, to touch the stars, to be part of the great scientific adventure that continues to unfold with every discovery. Sally Ride became not just an observer of the universe, but a participant in its mysteries, a pioneer in the field of space exploration.

Consider, O Children, the life of Galileo Galilei, whose work laid the foundation for the modern study of astronomy. When he first turned his telescope toward the heavens, he saw worlds that no one had ever dreamed of before. Galileo was not simply interested in the stars as objects of beauty; he was determined to understand the laws that governed their movement. He sought to prove that the Earth was not the center of the universe, and through his math and observations, he revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos. Yet Galileo faced fierce resistance from the authorities of his time, who could not accept the truth he uncovered. But like Sally Ride, he was undeterred. Galileo’s quest for knowledge became his mission, one that reshaped the way we see the universe and our place within it.

Sally Ride’s story is not just the tale of a woman who became the first American woman to fly in space; it is the story of a relentless pursuit of knowledge, of an individual who followed the path set by the great minds of the past, driven by the desire to understand the mysteries of math, astronomy, and physical science. Her passion for these subjects opened the door to a new world of possibilities, not just for her, but for generations of young women and men who would follow in her footsteps. Sally Ride embodied the very spirit of the ancient philosophers, the scientists, and the pioneers—those who sought not just to live, but to understand the vastness of the cosmos.

The lesson here, O Seekers, is that knowledge, especially in fields like math, astronomy, and science, is not merely a pursuit for the curious few. It is the foundation of understanding the universe, and it should be embraced by all who seek to understand their place in the world. Sally Ride’s journey teaches us that the love of learning, the pursuit of knowledge, and the passion for discovery are timeless pursuits. These are the things that will lead you to greatness, not just in science, but in all that you do. Seek the stars, not only with your eyes but with your mind and spirit. Like the ancient philosophers, let your curiosity guide you toward understanding the great mysteries of life.

So, O Children, follow Sally Ride’s example: let your love for math, your passion for astronomy, and your thirst for scientific knowledge guide you on your journey. Never allow your curiosity to wane, for the pursuit of knowledge is the truest form of human adventure. Reach for the stars, and in doing so, you will uncover truths not only about the universe, but about yourself. Let your heart be filled with the same passion that Sally Ride had, and may your journey lead you to discover not just the heavens above, but the boundless possibilities within.