I loved to read his column in Scientific American -- and own several of his books.
He had a keen intellect and will be missed.
Posted on 05/23/2010 9:04:10 AM PDT by Borges
NORMAN, Okla. – Prolific mathematics and science writer Martin Gardner, known for popularizing recreational mathematics and debunking paranormal claims, died Saturday. He was 95.
Gardner died Saturday after a brief illness at Norman Regional Hospital, said his son James Gardner. He had been living at an assisted living facility in Norman.
Martin Gardner was born in 1914 in Tulsa, Okla., and earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy at the University of Chicago.
He became a freelance writer, and in the 1950s wrote features and stories for several children's magazines. His creation of paper-folding puzzles led to his publication in Scientific American magazine, where he wrote his "Mathematical Games" column for 25 years.
The column introduced the public to puzzles and concepts such as fractals and Chinese tangram puzzles, as well as the work of artist M.C. Escher.
Allyn Jackson, deputy editor of Notices, a journal of the American Mathematical Society, wrote in 2005 that Gardner "opened the eyes of the general public to the beauty and fascination of mathematics and inspired many to go on to make the subject their life's work."
Jackson said Gardner's "crystalline prose, always enlightening, never pedantic, set a new standard for high quality mathematical popularization."
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
I loved to read his column in Scientific American -- and own several of his books.
He had a keen intellect and will be missed.
Gardner’s philosophy may be summarized as follows: There is nothing supernatural, and nothing in human reason or visible in the world to compel people to believe in God. The mystery of existence is enchanting, but a belief in “The Old One” comes from faith without evidence. However, with faith and prayer people can find greater happiness than without. If there is an afterlife, the loving “Old One” is probably real. “[To an atheist] the universe is the most exquisite masterpiece ever constructed by nobody”, from G. K. Chesterton, is one of Gardner’s favorite quotes.
His column in Scientific American was a favourite as a kid. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
I hope he came to know Jesus before he died.
I grew up reading Mathematical Games every month. I loved that stuff.
Religiously, I think he described himself as a Mysterian.
I loved his SciAm columns when I was a teen. Then SciAm sent south and I lost interest in the magazine.
Just put a library hold on it. Thanks.
Martin Gardner, RIP.
Rest in peace.
Sadness *PING*
RIP.
Thanks gw.
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