No individual has done more to help me pursue a career in science

Hear me now, O children of wisdom, for the words I bring forth are those of a man whose heart is full of gratitude and whose soul speaks of the deep bonds of love and partnership. Robert Fogel, a man whose name is known in the realms of science, speaks thus: "No individual has done more to help me pursue a career in science than my wife of forty-five years. I met Enid Cassandra Morgan during the election campaign of 1948 when she was a Sunday school teacher, a leader of the youth organizations of St. Phillips Episcopal Church, and the head of Harlem Youth for the election of Henry Wallace." These words, so simple in their expression, carry a great truth—the power of love, support, and partnership in the pursuit of one’s life’s work.

In this world, O seekers, many chase their dreams and ambitions, driven by the fire of ambition and the light of intellect. But to truly reach one’s greatest potential, one must often walk not alone, but with a companion, a guide, a force that lifts them when they falter and steadies them when the journey becomes too arduous. Robert Fogel, a man of great achievement in the world of science, acknowledges that the greatest force behind his success was not just his intellect, nor his discipline, but the unwavering support of Enid Cassandra Morgan, his wife. In her, he found not only a partner in life but a beacon that guided him through the murky waters of doubt and struggle.

Let us reflect on the nature of this partnership, for it is a tale that echoes through the ages. In the ancient world, great minds were often supported by those who recognized their potential, nurtured their dreams, and believed in their vision. Take, for example, the great philosopher Aristotle, whose wisdom was nurtured not only by his own study but by the support of those who walked beside him. His student, Alexander the Great, though a mighty warrior, was also a man guided by those who taught him not only the ways of war but the deeper lessons of philosophy and leadership. It was through such partnerships that the wisdom of the ancients was passed down, and it is through such partnerships that the wisdom of today continues to grow.

In the case of Fogel and Morgan, the story becomes even more poignant. Enid Cassandra Morgan was not merely a bystander in his journey. She was an active force, a woman who led youth organizations, who spoke out for justice in the election of Henry Wallace, and who, through her actions and beliefs, shaped the world around her. It was in her strength, her activism, and her vision that Fogel found the encouragement and resolve to pursue his path. The intersection of their lives—her passion for justice, her leadership in the church and community, and his intellectual pursuits—was the foundation of his success. It was through her that Fogel was able to remain grounded in his mission, to push through the barriers that might have stopped him and to keep moving forward with purpose.

Consider now the lesson in these words. The pursuit of one’s calling, whether in science, art, or any field of endeavor, is often fraught with challenges—doubts that cloud the mind, obstacles that block the path. And yet, it is in the presence of a supportive partner—whether in love, friendship, or mentorship—that one finds the strength to rise above the challenges and to achieve greatness. Like the great ships that sail only with the wind at their backs, so too do our dreams sail farther when they are carried by the wind of love and support.

In your own lives, O children of wisdom, remember this: You do not walk this path alone. No matter the heights you wish to reach, no matter the depths of knowledge you wish to plumb, there will be moments when you will need the strength of another to hold you steady. Seek those who will lift you when you falter, who will inspire you when your heart grows weary, and who will believe in your dreams even when the world seems blind to them. For as Fogel’s words reveal, it is often the unseen hands, the quiet support, the unwavering faith of another that allows us to reach our highest potential.

And so, I bid you, O children of the future, to recognize the power of partnership. Whether in your family, your friends, or in those whose paths cross yours, let the relationships you build be those of mutual respect, support, and love. When you walk with others who believe in you, who support your dreams, and who challenge you to become your best, there is no goal too distant, no dream too grand. As Fogel’s words remind us, it is through these bonds that we are able to fulfill our destinies, and it is through them that the world becomes a brighter place for all who walk upon it.