Complexity of Infinity and Numbers

              Mathematics is all about solving equations which consist of different variables and numbers arranged in patterns. The solved equations are now the basis of the mathematics we are studying and those that are unsolved are the ones that keep math alive and growing. In the last episode of the Story of Maths, the topic was now more complex as the evolution of mathematics takes place in the 18^th and 19^th century. The episode focuses on the unsolved problems proposed by David Hilbert in 1900 during a proceeding of the International Congress of Mathematics in Sorbonne, Paris. These 23 problems were considered as the most important problems that mathematicians should solve. Some of these problems, especially those that were solved, were discussed. The greatest minds that were involved were also elaborated such as Georg Cantor, Henri Poincare, Kurt Godel, Paul Cohen, Julia Robinson, Yuri Matiyasevich, Andre Weil and Alexander Grothendieck.

                Among these mathematicians, I was pretty amazed by Julia Robinson and Yuri Matiyasevich, a woman who competed with the other dominant male population of mathematicians and the 22 year old man who was able to solve the 8^th problem of Hilbert. I did not expect how the journey of Kurt Godel in life ended and how he suffered from several mental lapses all throughout his life. Yes, he is eccentric but he had a very great mind. Also, the meeting with Yuri Matiyasevich was really inspiring and such an amazing thought that one of the greatest alive mathematicians was featured in the episode.

                Although the episode was informative and personally, I considered as the most interesting one, there is some parts that I was not able to comprehend due to the complexity and technicality of the topic. But because of this episode, I was able to realize that there is a broader and a much wider future for mathematics. It was able to open my mind that mathematics is not as simple as one may think. It has a deeper purpose and very complex derivatives which are from the simplest forms of patterns developed by the early era of numbers.

                Marcus Du Sautoy has been a very good host for the show. His actions speak of his love and passion for mathematics. It was never just a job for him, but an exploration of the numbers and patterns of his own personal interest. The way he explained and relay the information to the viewers can give the impression that mathematics is a very interesting yet complex field of study. It can never end as long as there are equations and patterns that are unresolved and unanswered. Just like what David Hilbert said, “We must know, we will know.” the answers behind these mysteries that will keep the subject alive and continually growing.