Archimedes 275 BC
As I walk back to my living quarters after yet another day at school, I think that I will delve further into my education, and what inspired me to study math. As a young child, I never had one specific passion for any subject, but rather I chose to indulge myself in all subjects. I had a liking for both math and science, but I also enjoyed myself doing anything from poetry to military strategy. While growing up as part of a young current greek family, I was expected to receive a strong education. You can imagine my happiness when I was accepted into a very prestigious school founded by none other than Euclid himself. (Here is a painting that I came to love of him.)
One of the greatest minds of all time, and I was about to attend his school! I traveled to Egypt to receive this amazing education. Upon arrival, I met some kids who were among the brightest kids in all of the world. I began to study under the wing of both Conon of Samos, and Eratosthenes of Cyrene. With their supervision, my passion for science and math was fostered. My obsession started with Euclid’s Elements, while this is an amazing piece of work, I felt as though I could improve some of his most impressive theorems and postulates. Here is a page from his book.
So I set to work, studying, obsessing almost with his work. During my time here at Euclid’s school, I studied many of this theorems and conjectures, while at the same time, indulging myself in activities such as astronomy, and physics. I enjoy looking back and appreciating how much this school has given and taught me. As a child, I could never have imagined myself becoming a mathematician in any medium. Now I look at my life, and I see a very likely path for me following math or science. Wherever that takes me. I believe that I will return home to Syracuse after I finish my education. I have heard rumors that a war is on the horizon. That a force much stronger than our own is coming to attack us. While we are not unprepared for a situation like this, our defenses are not as strong as they could be. I have a few ideas that might turn the way in our favor if a war did break out. I can not quite formulate these ideas into drawings or concepts, but using some of the principles that I have learned from Euclid, and my education, I feel as though I may play a significant role in any upcoming war. Until I write again.
Archimedes
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It is interesting for me to read how your love for mathematics and science developed, for as I mentioned before, you were the person who sparked my own passion for such work all those years ago. I am impressed how at such a young age, you left your home in Syracuse and traveled all the way to Egypt to study. I wish I had had the same opportunity at a young age, not necessarily to travel but to work closely with older and wiser professors for support and critique. Did you find this experience to be what shaped your perception of mathematics? Or did you naturally question Euclid’s teachings?
ReplyDeleteWith respect,
Sophie Germain
Archimedes,
ReplyDeleteI love how you talk about your passion for both mathematics and science. Your description of how you come to receive your education is very detailed and I love to see how you have realized how fortunate you were to receive that. I am also pleased to hear that you have decided to study in multiple different areas so you can expand your knowledge to the fullest. I hope your ideas for defense systems in the war pull through so you don't have to experience the brutal life of living on a battlefield. Good luck and I hope to talk to you soon my friend.
farewell, Brahmagupta