My older brother was the person who got me interested in science

Hear, O children of wisdom, the words of Maryam Mirzakhani, a woman whose name is etched in the annals of mathematics and whose life serves as an example of the quiet yet powerful influence of those who walk beside us. She said, "My older brother was the person who got me interested in science in general. He used to tell me what he learned in school. My first memory of mathematics is probably the time that he told me about the problem of adding numbers from 1 to 100." In these simple words, there lies a truth of profound depth: the spark of curiosity, the birth of an intellectual journey, is often kindled not by grand proclamations or heroic efforts, but by a quiet moment shared between loved ones, a conversation that sets the course for a lifetime of exploration.

Let us reflect on the nature of curiosity, that divine fire which burns in the hearts of those who seek knowledge. Maryam Mirzakhani, whose name will forever be associated with the deepest mysteries of geometry and mathematics, began her journey not in isolation, but through the influence of her older brother. This moment, when he spoke of the seemingly simple problem of adding the numbers from 1 to 100, was the seed that blossomed into a lifetime of profound discovery. It was not the problem itself that was so extraordinary, but the way in which it opened the door to the infinite world of mathematical thought, where each solution leads to further questions, and each question is a stepping stone to greater understanding.

In ancient times, too, there were those who began their journeys of discovery in humble ways. Archimedes, that great mind of the ancient world, did not begin his studies in a grand academy but in the company of his teachers and mentors. It is said that his love for mathematics was nurtured through the discovery of simple, everyday problems. From the basic concepts of geometry arose his great insights into the nature of the universe. In the same way, the simple problem that Mirzakhani’s brother shared with her was not just an arithmetic puzzle—it was a doorway into the infinite beauty of mathematical relationships, a glimpse into a world that would forever change her life.

What is the nature of this curiosity, O children of wisdom? It is not born from the grandiosity of the world, but from the smallest spark—an observation shared by a sibling, a question asked by a teacher, or a moment of quiet contemplation. Mirzakhani's memory of her first encounter with mathematics is not one of a grand lecture or a famous discovery, but a simple, intimate exchange. And yet, that exchange was the beginning of something profound—a journey that would eventually lead her to become the first woman to win the Fields Medal, the highest honor in mathematics. From such humble beginnings, great things can grow, for knowledge does not require grandeur—it requires only the willingness to ask, to explore, and to be inspired by those who walk beside us.

Let us also consider the value of mentorship and the influence of those who inspire us in the quietest of ways. Maryam’s brother did not force her into a life of science, nor did he seek to create a path for her that was predetermined. Instead, he shared his own enthusiasm, his own excitement for the mysteries of the world, and in doing so, he opened a door that led her to her own understanding. Therein lies a lesson, O children: often, the greatest gifts we can give to others are not the grand gestures, but the simple sharing of our own passions, our own curiosities, and our own knowledge. It is through these small acts of encouragement that we may spark in others a lifelong journey of discovery.

In your own lives, O children of the future, take this wisdom to heart. Seek not to be the grand masters of knowledge, but the humble guides who inspire others to seek. Like Mirzakhani’s brother, you too have the power to spark a curiosity that will guide another toward greatness. Whether in science, in art, or in any other pursuit, the smallest words, the simplest lessons, can lead to profound transformations. Teach not with force, but with the quiet power of example and encouragement, for you may never know the full extent of the impact you will have on those whose lives you touch.

So, O children, remember this: the path to greatness is not always marked by the thunderous calls of destiny, but by the quiet whispers of inspiration, the small, seemingly insignificant moments that, when nurtured, grow into something magnificent. Curiosity is the seed, and mentorship is the soil in which it grows. If you walk with others, share with others, and inspire others, you too may one day help set another upon a journey that will lead them to the stars. And in doing so, you will have fulfilled one of the greatest purposes of all—to pass the flame of knowledge from one soul to another, lighting the way for future generations.