At 104, he presents his doctoral thesis and solves a riddle from two centuries ago

Certainly with these examples we realize that “it is never late” is an essential and often repeated motto, but that it is difficult to apply. When you reach a certain age, everything is more difficult or you lack the strength to start something again. This is not the case with Lucio Chiquito, a 104-year-old Colombian who has just completed his doctoral thesis 30 years after starting it.

This century-old engineer took advantage of his quarantine and locked up in his house in Medellín managed to complete three decades of studies. Moreover, thanks to his observations, he found a mathematical formula to solve a riddle more than 200 years old.

“My thesis consists in determining the maximum quantity of water that can be economically withdrawn from a river for energy or for something else” explained Lucio, showing that he always fought for his dream until let him succeed.

As soon as he could travel, he presented his thesis at the University of Manchester, where he graduated in 1947 and entered the world of hydraulic research. However, it was not until the age of 73 that he presented the thesis. He was born in 1916, during World War I, and came to England in 1943. In addition to being a great student, he was a successful businessman in Colombia, where he is also known for his advocacy work. gender equality.

The recipe for eternal youth

As he explains himself, in an interview with Radio Medellín, what he does to keep himself in such good shape despite his longevity is to always bathe in cold water, eat lots of fruit and enjoy the dead hours to read and study on all subjects. “Time comes and goes, and wasted time will never return,” he says. His next goal is to hone in on German grammar, a language he learned 90 years ago.

The longtime student recommended, “First, take advantage of the time because the time that has passed does not return. If before it was difficult, now it is easier with technology and opportunities, then my best wishes to those who want to take the difficult path of study.

And he added: “The second is to be able to inspire and leave a legacy to new generations. Fight for your dreams because anything is possible whatever the age ”, he closed.

* This text was originally published by Los Andes. It is reproduced here with the corresponding permission.