In ancient Greece there lived a mathematician known to many of us as Archimedes. Aside from being good with numbers, he is also considered as an inventor. There was an anecdotal account about the contribution of the man in the history of mankind which at the same time gave rise to the word “Eureka”.
In one of his many attempts wrestling with the problem of how to determine the purity of gold, Archimedes suddenly (as in, coming out of nowhere) he discovered a realization inside a public bathhouse that will be considered very useful to the human race. The incident became the strongest support that the buoyancy of an object placed in water is equal in magnitude to the weight of water the object was able to displace. In that very moment he jumped out of his bath exclaiming out loud, “Eureka!” which means “I have found it!” The absence of a contemporary source for the story did nothing to diminish the importance of the displacement theory which Archimedes established as a scientific principle.
Behind the stories in the treasury of mankind’s feats and falls, those that are able to stand the passing of time are ageless inspirations about the wonders of life. The most credible author-writer of one’s life is likely the person bearing it himself. To substantiate life lived is given justice the way it was lived according to its purpose. Many of us have lived and wandered around a lot but not finding the living meaning of a fulfilled life. As we go along, we tend to add up in mind questions that we ourselves are supposed to answer. Contrary to it, we often find ourselves answering the questions for others instead of our own.
Eureka! Life is not an accident to be lived. It is not a myth to believe. We are supposed to be the master of our own and not merely as a brother’s keeper. If that is not so, how can we keep a brother in good stead?
There are endless things we need to know and understand about life. They are the treasured gems in one’s lifetime. Once learned and used for good, they are with wings that can inspire others to do as much. Yes, Eureka, soon they will be the legacy of the next generation of men to be joyful in “finding things in life on their own.”
By: CARMELLET R. LALAS | TEACHER III | Bataan National High School | Balanga City, Bataan
