speaker:
- Luboš Pick
A mathematical crank is someone who believes—or at least claims—to have solved a legendary mathematical problem, usually one that is either extremely difficult or proven to be unsolvable. Cranks form a unique subculture with a fascinating history. Among them are geniuses, madmen, fraudsters, and ordinary people. They often correspond with top mathematical institutions, feel unrecognized, reject well-meant advice, suspect conspiracies, sometimes go to court, and frequently make grand promises or threats. Their working style, way…
speaker: