Crusader

Yesterday, Fi and I had dinner with a friend in Boston. Somewhere along the way, the conversation turned to the things we would do - professionally - if we had all the choice in the world. No expectations, no financial constraint, no cultural or social perceptions to worry about. Fi rooted for journalism, a passion he has had for much longer than I've known him. Our friend said literature. I opted for applied physics, followed by a degree in education, to make science less frightening than it seems. It was a stimulating conversation, on a subject that, it seemed, was close to each of our hearts.

Today, on the Project Gutenberg site, I read of the passing of Michael Hart, founder of Project Gutenberg. (I guess it passed me by all this time because I was busy wrapping up my dissertation, planning for the wedding, and generally getting used to Boston.) In spite of all that, I have to say that I was surprised that this item of news wasn't given as much coverage as I'd have expected. I can fairly say that I felt the same emotions on reading of his death that many others expressed on hearing of Steve Jobs' passing earlier this month. Sadness, admiration, and a sense of personal loss. The key to this feeling is, of course, that, as Fi puts it, I tend to "read books written by people who died a hundred years ago", which makes Mr. Hart's effort very relevant to my needs. But, even if I wasn't 'me', I hope that I'd have understood the passion that made Mr. Hart who he was and dictated the way in which he lived his life.

Not that I know much of his life but for what I read in his obits. But, one thing seems to stand out by all standards, i.e., he was one of those rare people who had a passion and made it his life's work, without regard to all the conventional forms that bind most people, and that also includes me right now. Somewhere, somehow, most of us want to be recognized for the work that we do. It is a rare person who feels so strongly about a cause, and dedicates a lifetime to it without the hope of fame or money. And, that, I think, is what made Michael Hart unique.

Sometime in my life, I want to volunteer (or maybe even work part-time) with middle- or high-school students to help them experience the joy of scientific understanding and discovery, and to pass on the passion I feel for the scientific method of inquiry. As someone who is currently trying to find her way through a traditional career, I hope that I am fortunate enough to be allowed that experience, and courageous enough to accept it, regardless of what would conventionally be called 'sacrifices', if any.

Gutenberg CEO Dr. Gregory Newby described the Gutenberg's founder in the following words:

"Friend. Visionary. Leader. Intellectual. Anti-Elitist. Digital Literati. Rebel. Frisbee Player. Hippie. Musician. Technician. Enthusiast. Lover of Much and Many. Full of Passion. Scout. Veteran. Patriot. Pacifist. Humanist. Egalitarian. Educator. Man of the People. Builder. Maker. Speaker. Listener. Systems Analyst. Friend."

I would add "crusader" to that list. And I would remember what I read of Michael Hart as an inspiration towards my dreams.