A00031 - Secrets of the Surface: The Mathematical Vision of Maryam Mirzakhani

 

Perhaps in recognition of Women's History Month, PBS scheduled the airing of a documentary on the life of Maryam Mirzakhani, the first woman and the first Iranian to win the Fields Medal

https://www.pbs.org/show/secrets-surface-mathematical-vision-maryam-mirzakhani/

Those who have seen the movie A Beautiful Mind will recall that it was John Nash's obsessive pursuit of the Fields Medal which some believe contributed to his schizophrenia. It is doubtful that such was the case, however, it is true that the Fields Medal is awarded only to the most promising young mathematicians and is, therefore, the most desired honor for young mathematicians.  The fact that the first woman to win the award is an Iranian is remarkable, and the fact that she died at the age of 40 is simply tragic.

For those interested in such topics, I encourage you to watch Secrets of the Surface.  Like me, you may not be able to follow the mathematics, but you may be able to appreciate that the country of Iran was able to produce not only a Maryam Mirzakhani but also a good number of very good mathematicians which it disperses throughout the world.  Hopefully, you will be able to observe the educational opportunities that were (and are) provided to promising young women mathematicians in Iran and perhaps you will ask the question as to why Iran has such a system while other Muslim countries do not.

Based on my own criteria, Maryam Mirzakhani cannot be on my list of the 100 Greatest Muslims today.  However, if her work continues to be so significant ... and if her cultural influence continues to grow ... she just might make the list in 2117.

Peace,

Everett Jenkins
Fairfield, California
March 10, 2022

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