and why it needs to change. — On the 7th of July 2020, a resolution for humanitarian assistance in Syria was voted upon by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). But this resolution proved futile because it was vetoed by Russia and China, both permanent members of the UNSC. …

How Xi Jinping’s dream of recreating a modern-day Silk Road might not be a reality — In 2013, Xi Jinping, the President of China, revealed plans of vast trade and infrastructure project which would traverse three continents, during state visits to Kazakhstan and Indonesia, much to the chagrin of Japan and the United States. The project was initially christened One Belt, One Road, but was later…

and how to avoid it yourself — Have you come across an interesting article on a unique and uncommon historical event or natural phenomenon? The writer writes impeccably, and you are hooked. But look closely at that article. If you remove the flowery language, could you find the same content on another website / other websites? Basically…

The interesting history and contributions of Nicolas Bourbaki — A few students and professors studying at an esteemed university in France — the Ecole Normale Supérieure — were extremely unhappy with their mathematics textbooks, especially their calculus textbook. …

An introduction to a 13-year-old writer — An endgame in chess is when only a few pieces remain in the board. I love endgames. Most people study chess endgames and learn how to quickly checkmate the king. I am not one of those people. I take my own sweet time and torture the opponent. This is who…

A satirical story about a pet dog. — From the day I was born to the day of my impending death, I was supposed to entertain. Human entertainers earn a salary, don’t they? So do dogs. My salary was a cosy kennel, scrumptious doggie treats and a cartload of love and affection. What more could a dog ever…

Selected stories by Mythili Iyer hosted on ILLUMINATION-Curated — Namaste! I’m Mythili. I am a 13-year-old from India, studying in 9th grade. Here are my posts on ILLUMINATION Curated. I hope you enjoy them! What Can We Learn from a Mathematician Who Never Existed? #Math An article about Nicholas Bourbaki, a pseudonym under which a group of mathematicians published their work. …

How humans shatter the beauty of nature — I stared into oblivion, or rather, outside my window, into a forest specked with ochres, siennas and happy memories. Some trees were as fresh as newly baked bread. Others were crumbling and withering into skeletons. My gaze shifted rightwards, after which, amongst the sea of browns, greys, and greens, I noticed yellow flowers, springing from the foliage. I was pensive in thought, for it was autumn, not spring, at least not yet, until a sound disturbed my reverie.

A poem imagining life as a Newton’s cradle — Descending into the abyss of fate and destiny, we seldom realize that we are just pawns of infinity. Waves in the universe, rippling like sound, unnoticeable, until they hit us and chase us like hounds. Till we come to the conclusion: meaningless was life. Yet, we move on despite the agony and strife. Descending into the abyss of fate and destiny, we seldom realize that we are just pawns of infinity….