“It matters little who first arrives at an idea, rather what is significant is how far that idea can go” - Sophie Germain

For many of us, mathematics can produce a limitless number of barriers. In modern times, this is working around the complex nature of formulas, explaining how a variable impacts our analysis of data, and so on. However, for the likes of Sophie Germain, a woman of the early nineteenth century, mathematics offered a barrier-less common in our modern society. Sophie Germain was a French woman pursuing a male dominated mathematics subject.

Many at the time were prejudice against the act of a woman aspiring for success in the world of academia. However, her perseverance to break these long standing barriers carried Sophie to success. Forced to pose as an anonymous man, she would share her mathematical workings with her professor at Ecole Polytechnique Academy. Her talent was quickly recognized by her professor and after revealing her identity, she was taught to become one of the most infamous female mathematicians of all time. In the following years she would gain the title “Princess of Mathematics.” Sophie's perseverance, though benefiting the overall advancement of mankind by enhancing mathematics, shares lessons beyond her individual circumstances.

Sophie Germain faced barriers by society, in modern mathematics, we often face barriers posed by ourselves. Just as Sophie was able to overcome society’s limitations, we ourselves are capable of overcoming the barriers we give ourselves. Though mathematics seems like a foreign concept, there is nothing that cannot be learnt. There is no one that is incapable of breaking barriers. As Karma C Lodoe said, “Talent is not born; talent is built.” Like Sophie Germaine, let mathematics be an opportunity to exercise perseverance; to break barriers. With perseverance comes change. With perseverance comes greatness. 

Written by Latoya Haimona.

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