Her Hidden Genius Quotes

“I only wish it wasn’t a race; science performed at a rush—with the goal of outperforming others—isn’t undertaken for the right reasons.”
― Marie Benedict, Her Hidden Genius

“Could it be possible that for the first time in my life, I’ve found a place to belong?”
― Marie Benedict, Her Hidden Genius

“So to answer your question, Papa- 'to what end' is my work? I'll be researching how life itself replicates in endless, observable permutations, how life continues rather than ends with the biological organism when it dies. Papa, the science I'll be conducting is the study of life itself.”
― Marie Benedict, Her Hidden Genius

“Exactly," he answers again, with that patronizing smile. Watson's approach to science contains such a vital flaw it nearly takes my breath away. How can one call oneself a scientist and begin one's investigation with a conclusion instead of building to one only after exhaustive research?”
― Marie Benedict, Her Hidden Genius

“Science IS life, dear cousin. It is the lens through which I see and experience the and make sense of the world around me, and it is my way of giving back. In solving crucial scientific mysteries at King's, I became closer and closer to the understanding of life itself. And I wouldn't undo that for anything. That IS my faith.”
― Marie Benedict, Her Hidden Genius

“Our institution does not have particular industrial goals but instead maintains that if we allow our scientists the latitude to research and explore according to their interests and talents, we will find use in the discoveries.”
― Marie Benedict, Her Hidden Genius

“As men and women alike enter the fray of this good-natured argument, I am struck by the free flow of ideas between the sexes; the eloquent presentation of a position seems valued regardless of who’s speaking. The female chercheurs see no need for either the false demureness or strident argumentativeness that is pervasive among women in England”
― Marie Benedict, Her Hidden Genius

“Papa always included me in the same activities as my brothers, from Alpine hikes to carpentry. But Franklin women are meant to use their intellectual gifts for the betterment of mankind through charity, governmental positions, good works, and of course, a suitable marriage. Not a salaried position. After all, we needn’t undertake paid labor to support ourselves; trusts take care of that, as do our male family members who work in financial firms, bankers all.”
― Marie Benedict, Her Hidden Genius

“There you have it. He is resentful that a woman is succeeding where he failed, and most likely, he will either continue to encroach on your territory or try to take credit for your work. Be careful.”
― Marie Benedict, Her Hidden Genius

“It is in these moments that I wonder--despite my love of and commitment to science--if I have chosen the right track. Should I be following the long-established path carved out for me by my family, a path stolen from so many Jewish women and men by the Nazis during the past, horrible war? Do I owe it to them to carry on the Franklin traditions in their name?”
― Marie Benedict, Her Hidden Genius

“Why is it that the people who suffered firsthand through the occupation and evils of the Nazis seem more hopeful and positive than those who endured it from afar?”
― Marie Benedict, Her Hidden Genius

“This will be your task, Miss Franklin—not just to map the molecular structure of DNA with an eye toward discovering the location of genes with your brilliant skills as an X-ray crystallographer but to beat anyone else who enters the race.”
― Marie Benedict, Her Hidden Genius

“I’ll be researching how life itself replicates in endless, observable permutations, how life continues rather than ends with the biological organism when it dies. Papa, the science I’ll be conducting is the study of life itself.”
― Marie Benedict, Her Hidden Genius

“science performed at a rush—with the goal of outperforming others—isn’t undertaken for the right reasons.”
― Marie Benedict, Her Hidden Genius

“Even though I don’t relish being part of this man-made race, even though I wish I could work on science for its own sake, I’ll be damned if I’ll let these two upstarts enter the race late and win.”
― Marie Benedict, Her Hidden Genius

“the final blessing, spoken only on the first day of Hanukkah, that I prefer: Baruch atah Adonai, Elohenu Melech ha’olam, shehecheyanu, v’kiyimanu, v’higiyanu la’zman hazeh. While I don’t believe that it is God who has granted and sustained life, as the blessing says, I do believe in the sanctity of life. For me, faith is for this world—the belief in doing our best to comprehend and improve life,”
― Marie Benedict, Her Hidden Genius