Marie Curie's contribution to science cannot be overemphasized. Her work in Physics and Chemistry do not lose its relevance to this day, and, without her discoveries, it is not possible to imagine the study of radioactivity. And yet, her role in history is important not only because of the scientific achievements. The great importance of a time, when they were made, gives Marie Curie's breakthroughs so much significance: the time when women did not have the opportunity to study, not to mention the scientific activity. Dedication, perseverance, and faith in that she is doing the right things helped Marie Curie to overcome the prejudices of her time and prove to the world that women can be just as talented and successful as men. That is why she is a major figure in the history. She earned the title not only for her discoveries but also for the impact that she had on the women’s fight for their rights.
In spite of all the circumstances that prevented the acquisition of knowledge, Marie Curie received an excellent education. She was the youngest child in a family of five children. Both her parents were teachers and that is why she had an opportunity to gain knowledge at home as well as ta school (Lambert). Perhaps it had a huge role in the life of the future scientist since she grew up in an environment of educated people who wanted to develop and progress. Unfortunately, it was impossible for women in Poland to get a higher education, and it imposed a limit on Marie’s education (Ogilvie 11). However, the desire to learn was so great that Marie found a way out of this situation. Before she began to study herself, she helped her older sister Bronia to get an education first, and then Bronia did the same for Marie (Koestler-Grack 14). Such persistence and a strong desire to get an education causes great respect, as in those days, this would have to take great efforts. That hard work and perseverance with which Mary sought to access to education, cause great admiration. And finally, Marie was able to enroll at the Sorbonne in France (Ogilvie 21). For any person studying in a foreign language away from home will be a huge stress. But, for a single woman of the nineteenth century, it was a huge obstacle. It was necessary to have a very strong character, to deal with this in terms of lack of money. It describes her as a very dedicated, persistent and courageous person. She received an award for her work when she got the degree first in Physics and then in Mathematics. And, actually, she became the first woman to gain a degree in Physics at the Sorbonne (Goldsmith 17). Most likely, the example of this bold Polish woman who traveled alone to a foreign country for the sake of knowledge inspired many women to repeat the same track.
She managed to become one of the most outstanding scientists of her time, and indeed one of the most eminent scientists in history. However, on the way to loud discoveries, there were difficulties, which only helped to identify more clearly her power of the spirit. Being a married woman with a child, she faced with firm conviction on the part of her colleagues that the doctoral studies and further development will be impossible for her. However, she began the work on her doctoral thesis (Ogilvie 43). This solution seems natural to the modern person, as everybody has a desire to develop and achieve success not only in the family, but also at work. In those days, it seemed unheard of, so stubborn Marie’s wish to continue doing science is admirable. She did not act in defense of her rights in the open, but, by her activity, she showed that she, as well as every woman, deserves to be an equal member of society. The result of her research was the discovery of two new elements (Ogilvie 52). Nevertheless, even these high-profile breakthroughs could not defeat the prejudices associated with the gender belonging of the great scientist. When her discovery was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Physics, she was not in the list of authors and nominees. And yet, even then, people began to realize that she is also worthy to receive the reward for her efforts and dedication, so she get the Nobel Prize (Ogilvie 74). Later, Marie Curie was awarded the Nobel Prize for a second time, in Chemistry, and it proved to the public that her first success was not a fluke, but the result of hard work, which she continued after the first award (Ogilvie 99). She became the first woman who wins the Nobel Prize twice (Goldsmith 17). This period of her life seems to be the most significant, because in addition to a scientific breakthrough, and she made a social improvement, showing the world what female scientist can do. And still, a brilliant intellect, perseverance, and hard work were not the only qualities that characterize Marie Curie as a truly great woman in history.
Madame Curie sought to bring to society as much as possible benefit, so she tried to apply the results of her activities to practice. She decided to use her discoveries in the medical sphere and made enormous efforts during the First World War, defending the precious gram of radium needed for further medical research (Ogilvie 104-105). During the First World War, the nature of Marie Curie opened more fully. If before she was known for her persistence and patience, now it became obvious that she also has the courage and dedication. And, of course, she used her brilliant mind to help the soldiers. She suggested using x-rays for surgical purposes, creating mobile X-ray labs (Ogilvie 106). Curie personally worked in these laboratories, trying to deliver its equipment as soon as possible to where it was needed (Ogilvie 107). She, by her example, inspired people to do great deeds, making it herself. She could have stayed on the sidelines, helping people with her studies at a distance, but she neglected this opportunity. Her desire to help in all possible ways characterizes her as a very kind and sympathetic person, who is not peculiar to the selfishness and cowardice. This period of her life can also be described as very important, as she was not only assist, but also inspire people to do great deeds.
Summarizing, it can be said with certainty that Marie Curie is a major figure in history. Discoveries, which she made, largely determined the development of science and medicine in our time, but this is only part of her merit. With confidence it can be mentioned that she has become a muse, a role model for many women, not just for her times, but also after that, when the rights of women were recognized equal to men. She first showed the world that a woman can be as successful as a man. The success achieved by Marie Curie even more significant, as she always had to cope with obstacles and prejudices, which forbid women to study science and to achieve significant results. Undoubtedly, she has made a huge contribution to the fight of women for their rights, and did it so peacefully, not on demonstrations, but in labs, proving her rights not in word, but in deed. Her example has inspired many people to do science, despite all the obstacles encountered. And, in general, for any individual the example of the life and work of Marie Curie can be a perfect example of the fact that nothing is impossible for a person who truly desires to achieve something. The life of Marie Curie shows that, compared with all the obstacles she had to overcome on the path to success and respect, many of our problems seem insignificant. That is why the figure of Marie Curie in history is so important. Without her, perhaps, women would still have a closed path in science, and many significant discoveries would not have been made in order to improve the world.
Works Cited
Goldsmith, Barbara. Obsessive Genius. New York: W.W. Norton, 2005. Print.
Koestler-Grack, Rachel. Marie Curie: Scientist. New York: Chelsea House, 2009. Print.
Lambert, Tim. "A Brief Biography Of Marie Curie". Localhistories.org. Web. 2 May 2016.
Ogilvie, Marilyn Bailey. Marie Curie. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 2004. Print.
