I know it's a rare privilege, but if one can really tackle something in adult life that means that much to you, then it's more rewarding than anything I can imagine.
Interpretation
Pursuing your passions in adulthood can lead to profound fulfillment and rewards.
This quote by Andrew Wiles emphasizes the rarity and significance of finding something in adult life that you are truly passionate about. He suggests that dedicating oneself to such a pursuit can result in a sense of fulfillment and achievement that surpasses any other experiences in life, highlighting the importance of passion and commitment in achieving personal success.
In practice
During a motivational speech at a conference, you could use this quote to inspire attendees to find and pursue their true passions.
Perhaps I could best describe my experience of doing mathematics in terms of entering a dark mansion. You go into the first room and it's dark, completely dark. You stumble around, bumping into the furniture. Gradually, you learn where each piece of furniture is. And finally, after six months or so, you find the light switch and turn it on. Suddenly, it's all illuminated and you can see exactly where you were. Then you enter the next dark room.
Always try the problem that matters most to you.
The definition of a good mathematical problem is the mathematics it generates rather than the problem itself.
I enjoy what I do because it keeps evolving - when I was a cook, I wanted to be a chef de partie; when I was a chef de partie, I wanted to be a chef; when I was a chef, I wanted to be a restaurateur, and now I am a chef entrepreneur. I am still fulfilling my dream.
I have always been selling. I always had something going on. That was just my nature.
Many a man has finally succeeded only because he has failed after repeated efforts. If he had never met defeat he would never have known any great victory.
It's incredible. Nine? Wow. I just remember winning my first one, getting the medal and the plate, the pin with the diamond for first place. My ninth title, I have no answer for that because I never thought it would be possible.
I'm at the point where you look back on your life and reflect. I've always been an unbelievable critic of me. If we lost a game, I blamed myself every night. I'm very proud of some of the things I did as an athlete, as an executive.
People with clear, written goals, accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them could ever imagine.
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