Thinking in English 365. Who Was Ramanujan? The Greatest Mathematician of All Time? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
Dec 8, 2025
Dive into the life of Srinivasa Ramanujan, a self-taught mathematical genius from India. Discover how a single book inspired his extraordinary talent despite facing poverty and societal challenges. Hear about his groundbreaking collaboration with G.H. Hardy in England and the cultural hurdles he overcame. Explore his major contributions, including enigmatic primes and functions, and ponder whether mathematics itself can be classified as a science. Ramanujan's legacy continues to influence modern mathematics and provoke thought about the nature of science.
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Self-Taught Mathematical Prodigy
- Srinivasa Ramanujan taught himself advanced mathematics as a child and outpaced college students living in his home.
- He memorised and explored complex ideas without formal training, showing early extraordinary talent.
A Single Book Changed His Path
- A book by George Carr became Ramanujan's primary teacher even though it lacked proofs and explanations.
- He memorised thousands of results and used them to create original formulas beyond the book.
From Skepticism To Discovery
- G.H. Hardy initially doubted Ramanujan but then recognised deep, novel results in his letters.
- Hardy called reading Ramanujan's work like opening a treasure chest full of mathematical jewels.
