Posts tagged with famous mathematicians
A Mathematical Framework for the Universe
By the early 1900s, it was clear that Newtonian mechanics was in trouble. It could not explain how objects moved near the speed of light, leading to Einstein’s special theory of relativity. Newton’s theory of universal gravitation was in similarly hot water, as it could not explain the motion of Mercury around the Sun. Concepts […]
The Mathematician from Madras, India
My first impression of Madras was a modern, Indian city bustling with activity; a diverse gateway to the south and a hot and dusty place preparing for the rainy monsoon season. It as a place of old cars, farm carts carrying produce, and people busy in the pursuit of commerce. Woman were down at the […]
When I was a Little Boy, Differential Geometry and Code Breaking
Watch mathematician, hedge fund manager and philanthropist Jim Simons give a short story of his life and mathematics. This talk was held at an event during the 2022 Abel Prize week, where multiple Abel Laureates as well as other high profile mathematicians spoke to young mathematicians. It’s a fascinating talk and I hope you enjoy […]
Famed NASA mathematician, dies at 101
What an amazing woman who helped shape the world! View a tribute here.
Girolamo Cardano
‘Girolamo’ is not a very popular name for anyone, but Girolamo Cardano was a famous mathematician who lived from 1501-1576. He was a doctor and the author of 131 books. He was also a compulsive gambler. It was this gambling habit that led him to the first mathematical analysis of probability. He realised he could win […]
The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Math
A must see interview with Mathematician, and short-lived code breaker, Jim Simons – now a champion for hedge funds in the financial markets (you can check out more here):
Did Einstein Really Flunk at Math?
In this picture, taken in 1934, a rather nervous-looking Albert Einstein gives a lecture to the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Pittsburgh. But, rumour has it that he failed in his early math exams. Scientists announced in 2016 that they had detected gravitational waves from the merging of two black holes in […]
