I started reading Fermat’s Last Theorem a few days ago and it has by far been the most gripping non-fiction book I have ever read. This is the second book written by Simon Singh that I have picked up. The Code Book(review) was his other book and I loved it too.
The book is about a mathematical problem that took over 300 years to solve. The ‘last theorem’ is intriguing in itself but what i have enjoyed most about the book so far is the story of Pythagoras and his love for numbers. There is so little I knew about the man who had put forward probably the single most famous theorem in mathematics.
It wasnt a surprise that Pythagoras was a philosopher. His choices and actions clearly identify with his ideology, some of which were bold and beyond that time. He even put forward a beautiful definition of the term Philosopher (Excerpt from the book):
While attending the Olympic Games, Leon, Prince of Phlius asked Pythagoras how he would describe himself. Pythagoras replied, ‘I am a Philosopher,’ but Leon had not heard the word befoer and asked him to explain.
Life, Prince Leon may well be compared with these public Games for in the vast crowd assembled here some are attracted by the acqusition of gain, others are led on the hopes and ambitions of fame and glory. But amoung them there are a few who have come to observe and to understand all that passes here.
It is the same with life. Some are influenced by the love of wealth while others are blindly led by the mad fever for pwer and domination, but the finest type of man gives himself up to discovering the meaning and purpose of life itself. He seeks to uncovers the secrets of nature. This is the man I call philosopher for although no man is completely wise in all respects, he can love wisdom as the key in natures’s secrets.
I hadn’t heard of the concept of Perfect Numbers till I read it in this book. The concept is pretty amazing and the search for perfect numbers almost an adventure in itself.
I will probably take my time with this book, even though the drive to keep turning the pages is pretty overwhelming.