Growing up in China, today was the Children’s Day, when society celebrated the younglings, and I got free biscuits from my parents’ workplace. The UN marks it on 20 November, Germany on 20 September. I’ll stick with celebrating the one I most closely associate with.
From the moment the sun rises, children wake up to a world shaped by choices they didn’t make. But every child, everywhere, also wakes with rights — including the right to be protected, to learn, and to have their voice heard.
— United Nations, for 20 November, World Children’s Day
I’m not here to curl up in an illusory extended childhood called “Ph.D” (and now “postdoc”). But I do think childlike wonder is what drives the best work in science, technology, and societal advances. It has been said that a subfield aligning with whatever first made you curious about nature is likely one where you’ll build real momentum. Hyperopic, counting distant stars: I think my pick has so far been reasonable.
This is also a moment to pause and regard the children growing up as I write — and perhaps, one day, my own. The future is uncertain. It always has been. But some of the sugar coat has worn off, and I think we owe it to them to be clear-eyed about our conduct and legacy.
There has been a few cool photos taken on 1 June over the years, and three are exhibited here.
Yourong Frank Wang 
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