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According to G. H. Hardy, the 'real' mathematics of the greats like Fermat and Euler is 'useless,' and thus the work of mathematicians should not be judged on its applicability to real-world problems. Yet, mysteriously, much of mathematics used in modern science and technology was derived from this 'useless' mathematics. Mobile phone technology is based on trig functions, which were invented centuries ago. Newton observed that the Earth's orbit is an ellipse, a curve discovered by ancient Greeks in their futile attempt to double the cube. It is like some magic hand had guided the ancient mathematicians so their formulas were perfectly fitted for the sophisticated technology of today. Using anecdotes and witty storytelling, this book explores that mystery. Through a series of fascinating stories of mathematical effectiveness, including Planck's discovery of quanta, mathematically curious readers will get a sense of how mathematicians develop their concepts.
‘If you have wondered about the philosophical underpinnings of mathematics, this book is for you. It contains insightful queries for a mathematician to ponder and could definitely be the start of some enlightening conversations, perhaps in a departmental book club or seminar course. I found myself enjoying the many tangents (pun intended!) and digressions in this wonderfully unique and well-articulated book.’
Emily J. Olson Source: Notices of the American Mathematical Society
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