Paul Erdős: The Man Who Loved Only Numbers [1998]

Summary

In this lecture, Paul Hoffman shares insights into the life and work of mathematician Paul Erdős, known for his prolific contributions to mathematics. Hoffman, who interviewed Erdős extensively, discusses Erdős's unique approach to math, his collaborations, and his belief in the elegance of mathematical solutions. The talk also covers Erdős's personal life, his impact on the field, and his dedication to solving mathematical problems until his death.

Takeaways

• 📚 Paul Hoffman, a renowned lecturer and author, is known for his extensive interviews and biography of the mathematician Paul Erdős.
• 🏆 Hoffman's 1987 profile of Erdős in the Atlantic Monthly won the National Magazine Award, highlighting his exceptional writing skills.
• 📖 After Erdős's death in 1996, Hoffman wrote a biography titled 'The Man Who Loved Only Numbers,' which won the 1999 Aventis Prize for Science Books.
• 🔍 Hoffman's career includes being the publisher of Encyclopedia Britannica and editor-in-chief of Discover Magazine, showcasing his diverse experience in publishing and broadcasting.
• 🤔 Erdős was described as a passionate mathematician who believed in the pursuit of mathematical elegance and immortality through the discovery of mathematical truths.
• 🌐 Erdős was a nomadic mathematician, traveling to 25 countries and collaborating with numerous mathematicians, often solving problems and sharing his insights.
• 💼 Despite his significant contributions, Erdős never held a full-time academic position, preferring a more flexible lifestyle that allowed him to engage in mathematical discussions and collaborations.
• 💭 Erdős had a unique perspective on aging, believing that mathematics could provide a form of immortality through the discovery of eternal truths.
• 💼 Erdős's work in prime number theory and his nurturing of young mathematical talent, especially among girls, has left a lasting impact on the field of mathematics.
• 🌟 Erdős's legacy includes not only his mathematical contributions but also his influence on the careers of many mathematicians and his dedication to spreading mathematical knowledge.

Q & A

Who is Paul Hoffman and what is his connection to Paul Erdős?

Paul Hoffman is a lecturer and author who first met the mathematician Paul Erdős in 1986. He interviewed Erdős over the last 10 years of his life and wrote a biography about him titled 'The Man Who Loved Only Numbers'. Hoffman also wrote a 1987 profile of Erdős in the Atlantic Monthly, which won the National Magazine Award for feature writing.

What was the significance of Paul Hoffman's 1987 profile of Paul Erdős?

Paul Hoffman's 1987 profile of Paul Erdős in the Atlantic Monthly was significant because it won the National Magazine Award for feature writing, which is one of the most prestigious awards in American magazine publishing. The judges proclaimed it a 'minor classic' written with amazing clarity and wit.

What was Paul Erdős' view on the elegance of mathematical proofs?

Paul Erdős believed in the elegance of mathematical proofs. He thought that the most elegant solutions to mathematical problems were hidden in what he called 'God's book', and his mission, along with other mathematicians, was to reveal these pages. He was particularly attracted to proofs that were simple and understandable, as opposed to those that were complex and difficult to follow.

How did Paul Erdős' lifestyle influence his mathematical work?

Paul Erdős led a nomadic lifestyle, traveling to different countries and universities to collaborate with other mathematicians. He had no permanent home and carried all his possessions in a small suitcase. This lifestyle allowed him to focus entirely on mathematics, working long hours and collaborating with numerous mathematicians, which resulted in a prolific output of mathematical papers.

What was Paul Erdős' approach to working with other mathematicians?

Paul Erdős had a unique approach to working with other mathematicians. He would often engage in simultaneous discussions with multiple mathematicians, moving from one to the next, working on different problems. This not only benefited the mathematicians who were able to think about their problems while Erdős was with others, but also exposed them to the work of their peers.

What was the significance of the Four Color Theorem in Paul Hoffman's mathematical journey?

The Four Color Theorem was significant in Paul Hoffman's mathematical journey because it was a moment of celebration in his calculus class when the theorem was proven in 1976. However, the fact that the proof was done by computers and was too complex to follow was a point of disappointment for his professor, highlighting the importance of mathematical elegance and understandability.

What was Paul Erdős' view on the immortality of mathematical truths?

Paul Erdős believed that discovering mathematical truths granted a form of immortality. He argued that mathematical truths, once proven, remain true indefinitely, transcending time and space. This belief was rooted in the idea that these truths are eternal and will continue to exist long after the individuals who discovered them have passed away.

What was Paul Erdős' early life like and how did it influence his mathematical career?

Paul Erdős was born in Budapest to two mathematicians who were high school teachers. His early life was marked by significant challenges, including the loss of his sisters at birth and his father's capture during World War I. Despite these hardships, he developed a deep love for mathematics at a young age, teaching himself to read by reading math books. This early passion for mathematics laid the foundation for his later career.

What was the impact of Paul Erdős' work on the field of mathematics?

Paul Erdős had a profound impact on the field of mathematics. He published over 1500 papers and had 485 co-authors, making him one of the most prolific mathematicians of his time. His work spanned various areas of mathematics, including number theory, combinatorics, and graph theory. He also inspired and nurtured many young mathematicians, contributing to the development of the next generation of mathematical talent.

What was Paul Erdős' attitude towards computers in mathematical proofs?

Paul Erdős had a unique attitude towards computers in mathematical proofs. Despite acknowledging their utility in checking calculations, he personally refused to use computers for proofs. He believed in the importance of understanding every step of a proof, which he felt was compromised when relying on computer-generated proofs that were too complex to follow.

What were some of the challenges Paul Erdős faced in his personal life and how did he overcome them?

Paul Erdős faced numerous challenges in his personal life, including the loss of his sisters at birth, his father's capture during World War I, and the hardships faced by his family during the Holocaust. Despite these adversities, he channeled his focus into mathematics, achieving great success and leaving a lasting legacy in the field. His ability to overcome these challenges and maintain his passion for mathematics was a testament to his resilience and dedication.