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1. srejk · 1790951720 · focus · HN ↗

   When you look at it holistically, von Neumann was more influential in science and mathematics in the 20th century than either Einstein or Planck. He wasn't as obvious a symbol of the scientific revolution, but his contributions to SO MANY THINGS at a fundamental level makes him stand out to me.

   1. tomrod · 1790959941 · focus · HN ↗

      Nash's game theory dissertation was something von Neumann considered obvious and not particularly noteworthy, if I remember my lore right. He was among the first game theorists, focusing more on collaborative games than pure strategic/competitive games.

      Einstein built on the shoulders of Riemann, Gauss, and others when considering the universe might be non-Euclidean!

      All brilliant people, many singular minds of great repute, yet, all improved by the rest.

      1. anthonypasq · 1790960488 · focus · HN ↗

         another famous piece of Von Neumann lore is that he constantly advocated nuking the Soviets.

         1. senderista · 1790966243 · focus · HN ↗

            Even Bertrand Russell briefly advocated this. "Better dead than Red."

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