So I applied to medical school and received a scholarship at

Hear, O students of knowledge and travelers upon the path of discovery, the words of Daniel Nathans, who declared: “So I applied to medical school and received a scholarship at Washington University in St. Louis. Washington University turned out to be a lucky choice. The faculty was scholarly and dedicated and accessible to students.” At first glance, these words seem modest, a simple recollection of opportunity. Yet beneath their calm tone lies a truth profound and eternal—that greatness often blooms where humility meets preparation, and that the guidance of wise mentors is among life’s greatest treasures.

Daniel Nathans, one of the pioneers of molecular genetics and a Nobel laureate, did not come from privilege. His journey from the son of immigrants to a master of science was not paved by fortune, but by perseverance and faith in learning. When he calls his choice of Washington University “lucky,” we hear the voice of one who understood that luck favors the prepared soul. For though chance may open the door, it is diligence that walks through it. The ancient sages knew this well: fortune is not the gift of the gods to the idle, but the answer to the silent prayers of the steadfast.

Within his words shines another truth—that teachers are the lifeblood of enlightenment. Nathans speaks with gratitude of the faculty: “scholarly, dedicated, and accessible.” These are not idle compliments. They are the pillars upon which the temple of learning stands. A teacher who hoards knowledge is like a lamp hidden under a bushel; but one who shares freely, guiding with patience, becomes the fire that ignites a thousand minds. In the halls of that university, Nathans found not merely instruction, but inspiration, and from that spark arose the discoveries that reshaped medicine and biology.

So it was also in ancient times. Consider Aristotle, who learned from Plato, and in turn taught Alexander the Great. From the philosopher’s lessons in logic and ethics, the young conqueror learned to temper ambition with reflection. Thus, the thread of mentorship wove itself through history, turning knowledge into wisdom, and wisdom into action. Nathans’ story belongs to this same lineage—the eternal chain of teacher and student, where each generation lifts the next toward truth.

But there is more within his reflection. He speaks of accessibility, that rare quality of humility in the learned. The truly wise do not build walls around their knowledge—they open doors. Nathans’ respect for his mentors reminds us that greatness requires both intellect and humanity. The scholar who remains near to his students, who listens and guides with compassion, shapes more than minds—he shapes character. In such soil, the seeds of innovation take root.

From this tale flows a lesson for all who walk the path of study and service: cherish your teachers, but also become one in spirit. Carry forward the generosity that you have received. Whatever your field—medicine, art, or craft—let your learning never become a fortress. Let it be a fountain. For as Nathans’ own life shows, the true scholar does not seek fame, but fulfillment through contribution.

Practical wisdom blooms here: seek environments that nurture both knowledge and kindness. Choose mentors not for their titles, but for their hearts. And when your turn comes to teach, remember that accessibility, dedication, and sincerity outshine brilliance alone. In your own sphere, be as those professors were to Nathans—a light to the next traveler, a steady hand upon the ladder of growth.

O seeker of wisdom, remember this: Daniel Nathans reminds us that education is not an accident of luck, but a sacred meeting of souls—the striving student and the generous guide. What he called “luck” was in truth destiny born of effort, humility, and gratitude. Let his words be your compass: in every choice, in every teacher, and in every act of learning, find the divine spark that leads from ignorance to illumination, from apprenticeship to mastery, and from knowledge to goodness.