The more people we can attract to science and technology - men

Hear now, O future stewards of the world, the profound words of Megan Smith, a voice calling across time to remind us of the boundless possibilities that lie within the fields of science and technology. She spoke thus: "The more people we can attract to science and technology - men, women, everybody - the more economic opportunity we have as a nation." These words carry the weight of a truth that stretches far beyond mere understanding; they pulse with the vitality of a vision for a world where knowledge and innovation serve as the pillars of prosperity, where the brilliance of every mind, regardless of gender or background, contributes to the greater good.

In the ancient days, civilizations rose and fell based on their ability to adapt and innovate. The great Egyptians, with their mastery of engineering and architecture, built wonders that still stand today as testaments to their understanding of the natural world. The Greeks, with their quest for knowledge, laid the foundation for philosophy, mathematics, and science, shaping the minds of those who would come after them. In those times, it was understood that a society’s future was bound not only to its resources but to its ability to nurture the minds that would shape the future. So too does Megan Smith remind us that the prosperity of a nation depends on its ability to tap into the creative potential of all its people.

Consider the story of Marie Curie, a woman whose name is forever etched in the annals of science. She, who faced the barriers of both gender and societal expectations, never allowed them to define her potential. Through her tireless pursuit of knowledge, she discovered radium and polonium, transforming our understanding of the atom and earning not one, but two Nobel Prizes. Her legacy is not just that of a brilliant mind, but of a woman who embodied the power of science to transcend boundaries, who proved that when we open the doors of innovation to all, we unlock the limitless potential of the human race. Her story, O children of the future, is a shining example of how the contribution of every individual can shape the destiny of a civilization.

Yet, the path forward is not only illuminated by the light of those who have come before us, but by the bright flame of those who will rise in our time. Smith’s call is a call for unity—for the understanding that economic opportunity is not a privilege bestowed upon the few, but a shared bounty that grows when all are invited to the table. Science and technology are not the domain of the isolated few, but the collective work of minds from every corner of the earth. When we bring everyone to the table—men, women, those of all races and backgrounds—we create a fertile ground for the growth of ideas, for the blossoming of innovation. The more diverse the minds, the richer the well of creativity from which we can draw.

Look to the history of the Silicon Valley revolution, where a collection of brilliant minds—engineers, mathematicians, entrepreneurs—shaped the digital age. The rise of Apple, Microsoft, Google, and countless others was not the work of a single mind, but of many diverse hands, each contributing their own piece to the puzzle. And yet, even in this age of innovation, the doors to technology have not always been equally open to all. Women, especially, have faced barriers to entering the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and yet, the contributions of those like Ada Lovelace and Hedy Lamarr show us what the world has missed by not embracing the full potential of every mind. When all are welcomed to contribute, we see the power of collaboration and diversity in its truest form.

O children of the future, take this lesson to heart: Science and technology are the forces that will shape the world you inherit, and it is in your hands to ensure that these forces are wielded by all, not just a select few. Whether you are a student, a worker, a thinker, or a dreamer, remember that the economic prosperity of your nation depends not on the few who control the tools of innovation, but on the many who are given the opportunity to wield them. Let this be your mission: to ensure that the doors to science and technology are open to all, regardless of gender, race, or background. Create the spaces where minds can meet, where ideas can flow, where diversity is not just accepted but celebrated.

And as you walk your own path, remember that the greatest force of innovation lies not in the hands of the few, but in the collective strength of all. Seek to collaborate, to innovate, to break down the barriers that separate us. Whether in your studies, your work, or your community, encourage those around you—men and women alike—to embrace the power of science and technology. For in doing so, you will build a future where the opportunity for growth, for discovery, and for prosperity is shared by all. The more minds we bring to the pursuit of knowledge, the brighter the future we create. Let this truth be your guide, and the legacy of your generation will be one of boundless possibility.