NOVA Season 15 Episode 19 The Man Who Loved Numbers

The NOVA season 15 episode 19 titled "The Man Who Loved Numbers" tells the story of the brilliant mathematician Paul Erdős, who revolutionized the field of mathematics with his groundbreaking insights and collaborations with other mathematicians.

The episode starts by introducing Paul Erdős, who lived a nomadic lifestyle and traveled the world to work with various mathematicians. Erdős had an incredible love for numbers and spent most of his life working on complex mathematical problems. Throughout his career, he collaborated with over 500 mathematicians, working with them on different problems and publishing over 1,500 papers.

The show explores how Erdős became known as one of the most influential mathematicians of the 20th century, despite never having a permanent home or holding a formal job. His dedication to work and his passion for sharing mathematical knowledge with others attracted many students and collaborators. He believed in working together to solve problems and popularized the concept of "Erdős numbers," which measures how closely connected a mathematician is to Erdős through collaboration on papers.

The episode also features interviews with some of Erdős's collaborators and students, who explain how inspiring it was to work with him and how he helped shape the field of mathematics. They recount stories of how he would show up unannounced on their doorstep, ready to work on a new problem, and how he would sometimes offer cash prizes for solutions to particularly difficult problems.

One of the most notable aspects of Erdős's life and work was his dedication to solving problems that had eluded other mathematicians for years. The episode gives an overview of some of the complex problems he worked on, including the P ≠ NP problem, which still remains unsolved today. Erdős believed that every problem had a solution and often worked tirelessly to find one, collaborating with other mathematicians from around the world to make progress.

In addition to his work in mathematics, the show delves into some of the more personal aspects of Erdős's life, including his love of children and his struggles with addiction. The episode notes that Erdős never married or had children of his own, but was known for his affection for young children, whom he called "epsilons." He would often bring toys and candy with him to give to children he met on his travels and was known for his kindness and generosity.

The episode also touches on Erdős's use of amphetamines, which he believed helped him to work longer and more intensely on mathematical problems. While some of his collaborators were concerned about his drug use, many comment that it did not seem to affect his productivity and that he was always able to come up with innovative insights and ideas.

The final part of the episode explores the legacy of Erdős's work and his impact on mathematics. Many of the collaborators and students interviewed note that Erdős's spirit of collaboration and dedication to solving problems continue to inspire mathematicians today. They recount stories of how Erdős's work on particular problems has led to breakthroughs in other areas of mathematics, and how his influence can be seen in the work of contemporary mathematicians. The episode ends with a reflection on Erdős's life and work, noting that he was a true visionary whose passion for numbers continues to inspire and amaze.

Overall, the NOVA season 15 episode 19 titled "The Man Who Loved Numbers" is a fascinating and inspiring look at the life and work of Paul Erdős, a mathematician who truly changed the field of mathematics through his dedication and collaboration with others. The episode offers an insight into the mind of one of the most groundbreaking mathematicians of the 20th century and highlights the importance of collaboration and a spirit of curiosity in scientific progress.