You know the stories about how close Nobel Prize-winning physicist Erwin Schrödinger came to never marrying? Chances are you haven't heard them, because nobody ever talks about Schrödinger's marriage when they discuss his work.
The same can't be said for female scientists, however. Twitter user Daurmith jumped on this by writing short bios for some of science's most famous men, but in the condescending manner typically employed for female scientists.
[seealso slug="gender-gap-in-science-map"]
«Pierre Curie, married and proud father of two, found time for love and family during his short scientific career.»— Daurmith (@Daurmith) January 30, 2016
«His dour personality made everyone think he’d never marry. Even so, Schrödinger got a wife and a Nobel Prize."— Daurmith (@Daurmith) January 30, 2016
This meant putting all the focus on the scientists' family lives, their looks and the sheer amazement that they were so brilliant despite being men.
«No one could imagine that behind Newton’s large eyes and frail appearance hid one of the most prodigious brains in the world."— Daurmith (@Daurmith) January 30, 2016
«Sassy and carefree Feynmann challenged social mores as he worked on his research. He broke hearts all over USA.»— Daurmith (@Daurmith) January 30, 2016
«A devout husband and father, Darwin balanced his family duties with the study of the specimes he brought from his travels.»— Daurmith (@Daurmith) January 30, 2016
«He had the body of an athlete and the face of a movie star. But Oliver Sacks chose science over glamour.»— Daurmith (@Daurmith) January 30, 2016
They were originally published in Spanish, but were posted again in English once they began gaining popularity.
So whenever you talk about Sir Isaac Newton's work on gravity, make sure to remember his compassionate eyes. Or just talk about all scientists like scientists -- not just scientists and women who happen to do science.
[H/T: Buzzfeed}