John von neumann time magazine march ulam
John von Neumann
Jenna Poczik
Summary:
Renowned mathematicians and physicists often marvel at the speed with which John von Neumann could analyze and solve complex problems. Discussing his skill, it was said, "Most mathematicians prove what they can, von Neumann proves what he wants.” John von Neumann was a celebrated mathematician and polymath with a wide-range of knowledge that allowed him to make vital contributions to society in a variety of fields. His expertise in both pure and applied mathematics led to his discoveries and developments in physics, quantum mechanics, hydrodynamics, fluid dynamics, economics, game theory, set theory, engineering, computer science, linear programming, self-replicating machines, defense planning, and statistics. He is also recognized for his involvement in the Manhattan project and his work at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton. Von Neumann is truly a brilliant and distinguished intellectual who has succeeded in progressing and bettering modern mathematics and sciences.
In his teens, von Neumann began to formulate his own theorems and proofs as he worked with renowned philosophers and scientists who were all impressed by von Neumann’s obvious talent. At fifteen, he began to study advanced calculus under the renowned analyst, Gábor Szegő. When first seeing his student’s mathematical talent, Szegő was so amazed and impressed that he was brought to tears.1 Another one of his instructors, Hungarian mathematician, George Pólya, discussed von Neumann’s genius as he recalled the following:
From his transformation from a child prodigy to an overwhelmingly brilliant teen, von Neumann matured into one of the leading mathematicians in the world by the time he was in his mid-twenties. By 1929, he had published thirty-two major papers in mathematics. In 1930, he was invited to Princeton University where he took a visiting professorship. He remained a professor there until 1933 when he was invited to join the Institute for Advanced Study. He was appointed as one of the original six professors of mathematics, making him the youngest member of its faculty at age 30.2 He continued to expand his studies in applied mathematics during his time at Princeton as he extensively explored a variety of topics.
John von Neumann died on February 8, 1957 in Washington, D.C., a year and a half after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It is likely that this cancer was caused by his attendance at nuclear bomb tests. In his death, the world of mathematics lost an incredible and versatile mind, but his legacy and contributions are remembered and celebrated. From government officials to fellow mathematicians to average citizens, all were impressed and are still impressed by von Neumann’s mathematic abilities. Eugene Winger described von Neumann’s mind as “ a perfect instrument whose gears were machined to mesh accurately to a thousandth of an inch,” Paul Halmos stated that “von Neumann’s speed was awe-inspiring,” and Jacob Bronowski wrote "he was the cleverest man I ever knew, without exception. He was a genius."3 John von Neumann’s works and contributions to mathematics and science were truly vital advancements that changed and improved the world.
Works Cited
Kjeldsen, Tinne Hoff. "John von Neumann’s Conception of the Minimax Theorem: A Journey
Through Different Mathematical Contexts." Archive for History of Exact Sciences 56.1 (2001): 39-68.
Morgenstern, Oskar and von Neumann, John. Theory of Games and Economic Behavior. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1953.
Myhrvold, Nathan. "John von Neumann." Time Magazine 21 March 1999.
