My Brain is Open summary

Early Life and Unconventional Ways

In My Brain is Open by Bruce Schechter, we delve into the life of Paul Erdős, a Hungarian mathematician with an unconventional lifestyle. Born in 1913, Erdős showed an early aptitude for numbers, and by his teens, he was already making significant contributions to the field. However, Erdős was not your typical academic. He eschewed the traditional trappings of success, such as a permanent home, a regular job, and even a family, choosing instead to live out of a suitcase, moving from one mathematical conference to another.

Despite his unorthodox lifestyle, Erdős was a prolific mathematician, publishing over 1,500 papers in his lifetime. He was known for his remarkable ability to see patterns and connections in numbers, and his work spanned a broad range of mathematical disciplines, including number theory, combinatorics, and probability theory.

Collaborative Genius and Unique Vocabulary

One of Erdős' most distinctive traits was his collaborative approach to mathematics. He firmly believed that 'mathematics is not a spectator sport,' and he collaborated with over 500 different mathematicians throughout his career. Erdős referred to his collaborators as 'The Children of Paul Erdős,' and he often co-authored papers with them. This unique approach to research not only helped Erdős to produce an extraordinary volume of work but also fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among mathematicians.

Another aspect of Erdős' uniqueness was his language. He coined several terms and phrases that are still used in mathematics today, such as 'The Book' (a hypothetical book containing the most elegant proof of each mathematical theorem) and 'The Supreme Fascist' (a term he used to describe God). Erdős also had his own ranking system for mathematical prowess, with himself being a 'two' (the highest rank), and most other mathematicians being ranked lower.

Mathematics as a Way of Life

For Erdős, mathematics was not just a career, but a way of life. He often referred to himself as 'The Man Who Loved Only Numbers,' and he spent nearly every waking moment thinking about mathematics. He was known to offer cash prizes for solutions to unsolved problems and would often arrive unannounced at the doorsteps of fellow mathematicians, ready to discuss a new problem or proof.

Despite his single-minded dedication to mathematics, Erdős was not without his quirks. He was notorious for his lack of interest in everyday activities, such as cooking, cleaning, or even basic personal hygiene. His friends and colleagues would often take care of these mundane tasks, allowing Erdős to focus entirely on his mathematical pursuits.

Legacy and Enduring Influence

In the latter part of his life, Erdős continued to travel and collaborate, attending numerous conferences and visiting universities around the world. He even managed to maintain this lifestyle into his seventies, an impressive feat given his advancing age and declining health.

Paul Erdős passed away in 1996, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire mathematicians to this day. His unique approach to mathematics, his extraordinary output of work, and his eccentric lifestyle have made him a legendary figure in the field. My Brain is Open gives us a fascinating insight into the life of this remarkable man and the enduring influence of his work.