Marie Curie’s reflections on resilience and inner conviction continue to inspire individuals striving for meaning and purpose. Her well-known statement—“Life is not easy for any of us… We must believe that we are gifted for something”—emerges from a life marked by obstacles, scientific milestones, and unwavering determination. From confronting gender-based barriers in Poland to revolutionizing the study of radioactivity and securing two Nobel Prizes, Curie’s journey illustrates how perseverance shapes lasting impact. Her words encourage pursuing one’s purpose despite adversity. n nBorn Maria Salomea Skłodowska-Curie on November 7, 1867, in Warsaw under Russian rule, she faced restricted access to higher education for women. Undeterred, she attended the underground Flying University, demonstrating early resolve. At 24, she moved to Paris in 1891 to pursue studies, where she later met and married Pierre Curie. Their scientific partnership led to transformative discoveries. n nHer assertion that individuals should trust in their unique abilities stemmed from years of research conducted under difficult conditions, often with scarce funding and immense personal dedication. Curie made history as the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the first person to win two, and the only one honored in two distinct scientific disciplines. n nIn 1903, she shared the Nobel Prize in Physics with Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel for their work on radioactivity—a term she introduced. In 1911, she received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for isolating polonium (named after her native Poland) and radium, using methods she developed. Her contributions extended beyond theory; she pioneered the medical use of radioactive isotopes for treating tumors. She founded the Curie Institute in Paris (1920) and in Warsaw (1932), both now leading centers in medical research. n nDuring World War I, she applied her expertise beyond the lab, creating mobile X-ray units for battlefield hospitals and operating them herself. Her commitment reflected the very perseverance she advocated. Though she became a French citizen, she maintained strong ties to Poland, teaching her daughters the language and honoring her roots through her scientific nomenclature. n nCurie died in 1934 at 66 from aplastic anemia, likely due to prolonged radiation exposure. Her legacy endured: in 1995, she became the first woman buried in the Paris Panthéon for her own achievements. Poland celebrated her in 2011 during the International Year of Chemistry. n nWhen she said life was difficult, she spoke from experience—navigating political unrest, discrimination, financial hardship, and the tragic loss of Pierre in 1906. Yet she persisted, driven by a belief in her mission. Her quote remains relevant today, reminding us that challenges do not define us; our resolve to pursue our purpose does. n— news from The Economic Times
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Quote of the day by Marie Curie: ‘Life is not easy for any of us. But we must have…’
Synopsis n nMarie Curie’s timeless words about perseverance and self-belief are resonate with all of us seeking purpose. Her famous quote—“Life is not easy for any of us…We must believe that we are gifted for something”—reflects a lifetime of barriers, breakthroughs, and relentless dedication. From overcoming gender discrimination in Poland to pioneering discoveries in radioactivity and winning two Nobel Prizes, Curie’s life shows that challenges are inevitable, but resilience and confidence define our legacy. Her message inspires pursuing one’s true calling against all odds. n nListen to this article in summarized format n nLoading… n n× n nSome quotes stay with us because they also show our own struggles, and Marie Curie’s powerful words are one such example. Her reminder that life is challenging yet conquerable has once again gone viral, especially among young readers searching for purpose. She wasn’t just giving motivational advice, she was speaking from a lifetime shaped by barriers, breakthroughs and unimaginable resilience. n nMarie Curie once said, “Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and, above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.” It’s a message that feels almost tailor-made for today’s world, where pressure, distraction and uncertainty are constant companions. But these words weren’t a simple pep talk, they showcased her lived experience as one of the greatest scientific pioneers in history. n nAll you need to know about Marie Curie n nCurie, born Maria Salomea Skłodowska-Curie on 7 November 1867, grew up in Warsaw during a time when the Kingdom of Poland was under Russian rule. Educational opportunities for women were restricted, yet she pushed forward through Warsaw’s clandestine Flying University, showing early signs of the perseverance she would later speak so openly about. Her quiet determination laid the foundation for a career that would redefine modern science. n nAt just 24, she moved to Paris in 1891 to continue her studies, joining her sister Bronisława. There, Marie immersed herself in scientific training and eventually met Pierre Curie, whom she married in 1895. Their collaboration would change the world. n nYou Might Also Like: n nQuote of the day by Nikola Tesla: ‘If you want to find the secrets of the universe… ‘ n nWhat did she mean by that we are gifted for something? n nWhen she later urged people to “believe that we are gifted for something,” she was talking about the years of research conducted under harsh conditions, with limited resources, and with a level of dedication many described as almost superhuman. Marie Curie’s achievements remain unmatched. She became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the first person ever to win two Nobel Prizes, and the only individual to earn Nobel honours in two different scientific fields. n nHer first Nobel Prize, shared with Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel in 1903, recognised their groundbreaking work on radioactivity, a term she herself coined. n nIn 1911, she earned her second Nobel Prize for discovering polonium, named after her homeland Poland, and radium, using techniques she personally developed for isolating radioactive isotopes. Her work wasn’t just academic. Under her leadership, the world saw the first use of radioactive isotopes for treating neoplasms. She later established the Curie Institute in Paris (1920) and the Curie Institute in Warsaw (1932), both of which continue to be major centres of medical research. n nYou Might Also Like: n nQuote of the day by Albert Einstein: ‘A human being is part of a whole, called by us the Universe—a part limited in time and space… ‘ n nHow Marie Curie’s early life shape her iconic quote? n nEven during World War I, her sense of responsibility pushed her beyond the laboratory. She developed mobile radiography units to provide X-ray services to field hospitals, personally travelling to battle zones. When she spoke of perseverance, she embodied it. n nDespite becoming a French citizen, Marie Curie never detached from her Polish identity. She taught her daughters Polish, took them to visit Poland, and honoured her heritage by naming polonium after her homeland. n nMarie Curie passed away in 1934 at the age of 66 from aplastic anaemia, likely caused by prolonged exposure to radiation. Yet she remained celebrated long after her death, becoming the first woman to be buried on her own merit in the Paris Panthéon in 1995. Poland even declared 2011 the Year of Marie Curie during the International Year of Chemistry. n nYou Might Also Like: n nQuote of the day by Stephen Hawking: ‘Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet… ‘ n nWhen she said that “life is not easy,” she wasn’t exaggerating. Marie Curie lived through political turmoil, gender discrimination, poverty, intense research conditions and a devastating personal loss when Pierre Curie died in 1906. Still, she kept going, because she believed there was something she was meant to achieve. n nAnd that’s exactly what her iconic quote leaves us with today: it ‘s a cue that difficulties don’t define us. What defines us is the confidence to keep moving toward the thing we’re meant to accomplish, just as she did. n nYou Might Also Like: n nQuote of the day by Socrates: ‘The perfect human being is all human beings put together, it is a… ‘ n n(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) n nSubscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online. n n…moreless n n(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) n nSubscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online. n n…moreless n nMeesho is Aam Aadmi ‘s Amazon, will its IPO be as good for investors? n nAI is forcing a rethink. 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