How many of us, who are not practising
mathematicians or mathematics students know about any mathematician? The
number would be very small. It has got nothing to do with the fact that
mathematicians are not very famous, but its because there is a general
perception that what mathematicians do has got nothing to real day to
day life, its as abstract as anything in this world can be. Yet another
thing can be the lack of biographies of great mathematicians. In this
aspect Slyvia Nasar’s excellent book “A Beautiful Mind” later made into a
movie of the same name starring Russell Crowe and Jennifer Conolley is
indeed a great boon.
The book chronicles the journey of a brilliant mathematician, John Nash
through his years of creativity and later his mental turmoil. Nash was
once a highly eccentric and a first rate genius graduate student at
Princeton University, then the world centre for mathematics where he
invented one of the most important theory of rational human behaviour of
our times – game theory. It was ironic that a man who invented a theory
of rational human behaviour must turn into a highly irrational being in
his later life. Such was the tragedy of Nash that at the age of 31
after a happy marriage he suffered a devastating blow when he was
diagnosed with schizophrenia. For more than three decades after that one
of the most brilliant minds of our times spent a ghost – like existence
in the hallowed walls of the Princeton Mathematics Department only to
re – emerge in 1994 to win the prestigious Nobel Prize and instant world
fame. Nash story told in a poignant manner by Nasar is worth a read by
everyone who knows the anguish and turmoil that life can have on a
person.
This award winning biography is a drama about the mystery of the human
mind, the creation of beauty, a triumph over incredible adversity and
the healing power of pure love. It is at the same time fascinating and
disturbing, the book is in one word “astonishing” that opens up a vivid
window into the life of a man and the math that he does. A superbly
written account of a man who has a dark madness that is at times
illuminated by his most creative spirit. The book opens up vistas to
everyone who wishes to learn from the great. It teaches us what love can
do even to a person who has no sense of it. A mini classic in its own
right, Nasar should get all the kudos for managing to keep the book at a
readable level for the non mathematics audience with no hardcore math
in it.
The book is a must read with something in it for everyone. Be it the
student who gets to know the trials and tribulations in an academic’s
life, or be it the lover who can learn what the power of true love
really is. Even someone as far removed as a politician will enjoy the
book, as Nash’s contributions are widely used in giving us predictions
of an election. All in all a great book to read and an even greater
mortal to know about. I would highly recommend it be read after watching
the movie to get a larger picture of the story.
Author: Slyvia Nasar
Publisher: faber and faber
Price: Rs. 277.20
Rating: 4/5
[This review was published here.]
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