June E Huh’s Congratulatory Speech

A few days ago, I watched a famous mathematician on a TV show. He is June E Huh, who got a Fields Medal and proved 11 unsolved math problems. I was inspired by his words in the TV show. He said confidence out of nowhere is more important than confidence with a justification. Confidence with a justification is so fragile. For example, "Because I got the highest score on math tests, I think I am quite good in math." If people try to reason their confidence, it is very likely to disappear quickly. Also, it will trip me over one day as that motivation isn't unique anymore.

Not only this, he speaks like an English teacher, not a mathematician. "Graduates, congratulations on a completion that you have been preparing for, and congratulations on a new beginning today. Please be kind to each other and yourself, and hopefully pass that kindness on to us in the future. I cheer for you. congratulations. thank you." This is the last quote from his congratulatory speech at Seoul National University and this struck my heart so hard.