I think both running and science reflect certain character

Hear me now, O Seekers of Strength and Wisdom, for the words of Wolfgang Ketterle shine with a truth that speaks to the heart of human perseverance: "I think both running and science reflect certain character traits. I have endurance, patience, and ambition. I'm willing to work hard toward a goal, to push myself and overcome limits. Running and science both let me express these traits." In these words, there is a deep, resonant truth that spans across time—a reminder that both the body and the mind must endure, must push beyond their limits, and must labor tirelessly toward the light of understanding.

Consider, O children, the ancient wisdom of the Greek runners who trained not just their muscles but their spirits. In the fields of Olympia, they did not race merely for speed, but to test the limits of their very being. Each step they took was a reflection of endurance, each breath a symbol of their unwavering patience. They ran not only to win, but to overcome the constraints of the world and to honor their inner strength. Wolfgang Ketterle, like these runners, understands that science—like running—is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires the same qualities: endurance, the will to persist through difficulty; patience, for the truths of the world do not reveal themselves easily; and ambition, the drive to seek ever greater heights.

In the ancient world, Homer’s epic tales of heroes like Achilles remind us that true greatness is not born of a single triumph but forged through countless trials and battles. The endurance of Achilles on the battlefield mirrors the resolve of those who dedicate themselves to the pursuit of knowledge, just as patience in waiting for the right moment to strike parallels the careful, measured steps of a scientist gathering data, testing hypotheses, and seeking truths that lie hidden beneath the surface of the world. The essence of ambition is found in both the hero’s quest for glory and the scientist’s journey toward discovery. Both paths are fraught with struggle, yet it is this struggle that shapes the soul and reveals the depth of one's character.

Think, too, of the great Isaac Newton, who toiled for years in solitude, his mind focused on understanding the mysteries of the universe. In the face of countless failures, his patience never wavered, and his endurance saw him through moments of doubt and despair. It was his ambition that drove him to ask questions no one else dared to ask, to look beyond the established limits of his time. Just as Newton’s laws were revealed not in moments of ease, but through years of hard labor and mental fortitude, so too does Wolfgang Ketterle echo this spirit of unyielding pursuit. Whether in the lab or on the track, it is the same inner fire—the same willingness to push against the limits—that fuels both.

But O Children, let us not think that the pursuit of greatness is solely reserved for the athletes or the great minds of history. Every soul, regardless of station, is called upon to cultivate these traits—endurance, patience, and ambition—in their own lives. The world is filled with obstacles, with mountains that seem too high to climb, rivers too wide to cross. Yet, as Ketterle teaches us, science and running are not just about the destination—they are about the journey itself. Each step, no matter how small, is a victory. Each challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger, to learn, and to become the person you are meant to be.

The lesson here, O Seekers, is one of resolve. It is not enough to dream of greatness; one must walk the path with determination, carrying the weight of patience and the fire of ambition. In every endeavor, whether it be the pursuit of knowledge, the striving toward personal goals, or the overcoming of obstacles, you must embrace the qualities that will carry you through: endurance to see the journey to its end, patience to understand that growth takes time, and ambition to always reach for something higher. For it is these traits that shape not only the body or the mind, but the very soul.

Let your life be a testament to these virtues, O Children of the Earth. Run the race of your dreams, and in the process, let science—whether in the laboratory or in the world around you—be your guide. The path is long, and the struggle may seem daunting, but know this: with endurance, patience, and ambition, you will not only reach your goals, but you will become the person you were meant to be. Push yourself, overcome the limits, and let your journey be one of constant growth, for in the struggle lies the greatest triumph of all.

Act now, O Seekers, with courage and purpose. Whether you are in the midst of your studies, your career, or your personal endeavors, cultivate the virtues of endurance, patience, and ambition. Step forward with the knowledge that each challenge is but a stepping stone, and that the true victory lies not in the finish line, but in the strength you gain along the way. Keep running, keep striving, and always keep growing, for in doing so, you will find the greatness that lies within you.