The speaker in this quote describes a personal journey that began with his father's expectations and ended with a profound realization about his own aspirations. The father envisioned his son pursuing engineering to support their shared business venture in heating technology, but during college, the individual discovered a deep passion for physics instead.
Beyond its literal meaning, this quote speaks to the challenges many people face when their chosen paths diverge from what is expected of them by family or society. It highlights the tension between fulfilling familial obligations and pursuing one's true calling. The speaker also alludes to the emotional difficulty in communicating such a shift in direction to loved ones who may have invested hope and expectations in an alternative path.
Leonard Susskind, the author of this quote, is a renowned theoretical physicist known for his contributions to string theory and quantum mechanics. His insights into physics are not only academically significant but also reflect personal journeys that resonate with many individuals striving to find their true passions in life.