步履未行 我心飞翔丨SMA病友根根获2023阿里巴巴全球数学竞赛优秀奖

2023年阿里巴巴全球数学竞赛优秀奖

根根获奖感言完整版-中文

大家下午好！

我将从一个简单但具有挑战性的问题开始。为什么我们可以证明数学中任何有意义的事情？在群、测度、序数、流形等广阔的领域中，为什么会出现一个连贯、统一的结构？为什么通过操纵抽象的数学实体，我们就能对世界做出预测，并以超乎寻常的准确性加以验证？数学很容易成为一个难以解开的谜，然而，人类却奇迹般、不可思议地解开了无数深刻的真理。

我无法在这里解答这个谜题。但作为一名数学家和物理学家，我清楚地知道，数学不仅仅是数字或方程，相反，它是宇宙本身的语言，是逻辑和模式的交响乐，是所有现实的基础。

在个人层面上，正是这种语言让我超越了身体的限制。我患有脊髓性肌萎缩症，简称SMA。这是一种类似于ALS的疾病，但从婴儿期就开始了。SMA会导致严重的全身无力，使我即使是最简单的日常任务也必须依赖他人。从吃饭到上床睡觉，再到上厕所，我生活的方方面面都需要外部帮助。

然而，随着岁月的流逝，尽管我的肌肉越来越虚弱，但我对了解世界的热情却有增无减。虽然我从未在这个星球上迈出过一步，但我常在丰富而壮丽的数学宇宙中翱翔。如果我能够理解宇宙的语言，我又何必担心自己身体的局限呢？我想对所有患有SMA或类似罕见疾病的人说：社会可能会认为，由于你的残疾，你无法取得与健全人同等的成就。请抛却这些想法吧。宇宙最深邃的旋律不是由我们的肢体感知的，而是由我们的精神和智慧领悟的。专注于此，你将焕发无与伦比的光芒。

当然，每项成就的背后都有一个坚定不移的支持网络，而我的残疾所带来的挑战则更加凸显了这一必要性。我的母亲一直是我的坚强支柱……二十年来，她把自己的余生放在一边，专注于猛烈地消除我前进道路上的任何障碍。对于我的父亲，这座沉默的堡垒，以及所有为我奠定基础的人，我充满了感激之情。

从麻省理工学院到北京参加这次颁奖典礼的旅程对我的身体来说是一个巨大的挑战，需要30个小时的艰苦旅行过程。即使在今天，我们仍面临着将我200公斤重的轮椅通过楼梯从一楼送到这个房间的困难，因为这栋大楼没有电梯。

我要向阿里巴巴全球数学竞赛组委会致以最深的谢意，感谢他们在整个旅程中给予的无与伦比的支持。

这段旅程的核心是另一位沉默的英雄……Martin，即马斌，中国美儿SMA关爱中心的负责人。同样坐轮椅的他在短短两周内就安排了我的北京之旅。今天，我很自豪能够将我的1000美元奖金捐赠给该中心的事业。我希望这将为美儿的使命做出贡献，即消除SMA患者的障碍，让梦想超越身体的限制。我强烈建议您在百度上找到美儿SMA关爱中心，并考虑支持这个关键组织。

至于剩下的5000美元奖金，我将分配3000美元作为我在麻省理工学院的学费，另外1000美元捐给thelifeyoucansave.org等组织，这些组织致力于在全球范围内促进教育和减轻苦难。通过这种方式，我希望看到这个奖项能够促进善意循环，鼓励我们所有人尽己所能伸出援手，以便我们共同提升全人类的水平。

总而言之，这不仅仅是我的成就。这是面对难以置信的困难时集体勇气、热情和决心的证明。当我们研究数学时，我们表达了我们的信念：无论问题乍一看多么棘手，解决方案都在等待着我们去发现。我希望我们所有人都能在生活中呼应这种情感，以坚韧、同理心和创造力来面对每一个挑战。通过共同努力创造一个充满同情心和毅力的环境，我们就能实现我们的梦想。

谢谢！

2023年阿里巴巴全球数学竞赛优秀奖

根根获奖感言完整版-英文

Good evening,esteemed members of the Alibaba Global Mathematics Committee,fellow lovers of mathematics,and viewers worldwide.

I’ll start with a simple yet provocative question.Why can we prove anything meaningful in math?Amidst the vast realms of groups,measures,ordinals,manifolds,etc,why does a coherent,unified structure emerge?Why is it that by manipulating abstract mathematical entities,we can make predictions about the world which are verified to extraordinary accuracy?Mathematics could have easily been an intractable enigma,and yet,miraculously,inexplicably,humanity has been able to unravel a myriad of profound truths.

I have no chance of answering this enigma here.But what is clear to me,as a mathematician and physicist,is that math isn't merely about numbers or equations.Rather,it is the very language of the universe itself,a symphony of logic and patterns that underlies all of reality.

And on a deeply personal level,it is this same language that has allowed me to transcend the physical limitations of my body.I have Spinal Muscular Atrophy,or SMA for short,a condition akin to ALS but beginning in infancy.SMA leads to severe full body weakness,making me reliant on others for even the simplest daily tasks.From eating to turning in bed to using the restroom,every aspect of my existence demands external aid.

Yet,as the years have woven their narrative,even as my muscles weakened,my passion for understanding the world only deepened.Although I’ve never taken a physical step on this planet,in the rich and magnificent cosmos of mathematics,I soar.If I can understand the language of the universe,why should I worry about my physical limitations?I’d like to say to all those living with SMA or similar rare diseases:society might expect that due to your disability,you won’t be able to accomplish at the same level as the able-bodied.Brush that thought aside.The universe’s most profound melodies are perceived not by our limbs,but by our spirit and intellect.Focus there,and you will shine with unparalleled luminance.

Of course,behind every achievement lies a network of unwavering support,a necessity accentuated by the challenges my disability presents.My mother has been a constant pillar of strength…For two decades now,she has put aside the rest of her life to focus on fiercely obliterating any obstacles in my way.To my father,the silent fortress,and all those who've been my foundation—I am awash with gratitude.

The journey from MIT to Beijing for this award ceremony was a monumental challenge for my body,requiring a laborious 30-hour travel process.Even today,we faced the difficulty of bringing my 450-pound wheelchair from the first floor up the stairs to this room,as there is no elevator in this building.I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Alibaba Global Mathematics Competition Committee for their unparalleled support throughout this trip.

At the heart of this journey is another silent hero…Martin,or Ma Bin(马斌),the president of the Chinese Meier Advocacy and Support Center.Martin,also wheelchair-bound,orchestrated my trip here to Beijing in a mere two weeks.Today,I am proud to be dedicating$1000 of my prize money to the center’s cause.I hope this will contribute to Meier Advocacy's mission of dismantling the barriers standing against individuals with SMA,letting dreams transcend physical confines.I urge you to find美儿SMA关爱中心on Baidu and consider backing this pivotal organization.

As for the rest of my$5000 of prize money,I will allocate$3000 for my tuition at MIT and$1000 to organizations like thelifeyoucansave.org which are fostering education and alleviating suffering globally.In this way,I hope to see this prize foster a cycle of goodwill,encouraging us all to lend a hand where we can,so that together,we can elevate all of humanity.

In summary,this isn't merely about my achievements.It's a testament to collective grit,passion,and determination in the face of incredible difficulties.When we pursue mathematics,we express our conviction that no matter how intractable a problem may at first seem,a solution awaits.I hope that all of us can echo this sentiment in life,facing every challenge with tenacity,empathy,and creativity.By fighting to create an environment of compassion and perseverance,together,we can achieve our dreams.

Thank you.

2022年初，美儿邀请了根根和他的妈妈黄女士，跨过大洋彼岸，在云端进行了“你有一双隐形的翅膀”分享会。

在分享会上，我们真切地了解到这位天才少年的成长历程，也感动于母子二人富有哲理的人生见解。

我们仍记得根根所说的“生命定义美。你可以选择继续让你的生命流逝，或者你也可以敞开心扉接受生活的美好，真正地生活！”

点击下方图片链接，重温“你有一双隐形的翅膀”根根分享会。