Some people have changed the world through mathematics
Many mathematicians have changed the field and the world with their creative mathematical discoveries. If David Letterman can have his Top Ten lists, so can the mathematical world! Check out two top ten lists of famous mathematicians who have brought us new fields of mathematics:
- Mr. Messier, a teacher at Philemon Wright High School in Gatineau, Quebec compiled this list of "the 10 most famous and important mathematicians who have changed the course of human history."
- Alex Bellos, a writer for The Guardian, created "The 10 best mathematicians", described as "maths geniuses whose revolutionary discoveries changed our world."
Benoit Mandelbrot: Developed the concept of fractals, which changed the world
Benoit Mandelbrot developed the concept of fractals, which many only know as a series of pretty pictures. In fact, the mathematics of fractals has allowed for advances in such areas as finance, medicine, and even in reformulating a new, stronger form of concrete.
Read this fasinating interview with Mandelbrot from NOVA, during which Mandelbrot talks about his history of working outside of the rules and continually asking new questions.
Read this fasinating interview with Mandelbrot from NOVA, during which Mandelbrot talks about his history of working outside of the rules and continually asking new questions.