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“Infinitely Rich” Mathematician Richard Guy Turns 100

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Re: “Infinitely Rich” Mathematician Richard Guy Turns 100

#11

Post by ch4s3 »

aisofteng wrote: post #8
hueving wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

He was quoted as saying going without amphetamines for a month set back mathematics a month.

Which he did to win a bet on whether he could go without stimulants for a month.

I read that he complained bitterly the whole time and proclaimed that the bet had cost Mathematics immeasurably. I wonder how true that is.

Re: “Infinitely Rich” Mathematician Richard Guy Turns 100

#13

Post by golemotron »

Culturally we're doing everything we can to destroy the "Great Man" narrative. When I read stories like this I think it's a mistake. Richard Guy had his life changed by someone he looked up to and wanted to emulate.

We need to remember that whenever we knock people down and say they their achievements are not due to them. Fame has positive social effects.

Re: “Infinitely Rich” Mathematician Richard Guy Turns 100

#14

Post by evincarofautumn »

ch4s3 wrote: post #11
aisofteng wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Which he did to win a bet on whether he could go without stimulants for a month.

I read that he complained bitterly the whole time and proclaimed that the bet had cost Mathematics immeasurably. I wonder how true that is.

The complaining part is probably true—amphetamine withdrawal will make you extremely irritable, and moreover he probably felt like he was being held back from his full potential.

Re: “Infinitely Rich” Mathematician Richard Guy Turns 100

#16

Post by ch4s3 »

evincarofautumn wrote: post #14
ch4s3 wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I read that he complained bitterly the whole time and proclaimed that the bet had cost Mathematics immeasurably. I wonder how true that is.

The complaining part is probably true—amphetamine withdrawal will make you extremely irritable, and moreover he probably felt like he was being held back from his full potential.

Probably. He seems like an endlessly fascinating character to me. He's almost tragic in a sense, but I also can't help but thinking that he probably felt more fulfilled than most people.

Re: “Infinitely Rich” Mathematician Richard Guy Turns 100

#17

Post by frikk »

whack wrote: post #3

"A lifelong mountain climber and environmentalist, he spent his centenary day hiking at (not up) Mount Assiniboine" I didn't even think that was possible. The guy's an inspiration.

I don't think I get it. What is the difference between 'at' and 'up' in this context?

Re: “Infinitely Rich” Mathematician Richard Guy Turns 100

#18

Post by pd1 »

frikk wrote: post #17
whack wrote: post #3

"A lifelong mountain climber and environmentalist, he spent his centenary day hiking at (not up) Mount Assiniboine" I didn't even think that was possible. The guy's an inspiration.

I don't think I get it. What is the difference between 'at' and 'up' in this context?

Maybe going on trails on/around the mountain as opposed to heading to the top?

Re: “Infinitely Rich” Mathematician Richard Guy Turns 100

#20

Post by codyb »

What a pleasurable read. It's no shocker that a man so well versed in such a variety of interests (teaching, the english language, mathematics, thinking) has such an outsized impact on his field of choice. I find that the best and the brightest tend to be such people and I aspire to attain such a wonderful status whether at a more local or in this case global level.

Here's to a 100 more Richard! You sound like a pleasure to be around.

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