Numbers That Dazzled the World reveals the human stories behind the symbols that transformed how we think. From the zero that overturned ancient arithmetic to ∞, √2, π, e, and even modern giants like Graham’s number, Ahmed Elmokadem follows the discoveries, debates, mistakes, and flashes of insight that turned notation into power.
Each chapter explores one remarkable number and the people who wrestled with it—mathematicians, philosophers, amateurs, and iconoclasts—blending clear explanations with vivid storytelling to make abstract ideas unforgettable. Accessible, curious, and often surprising, this book is for readers who love history, ideas, and the strange ways a single figure can reshape science and culture.
Ahmed Elmokadem is a Simsbury-based scientist in pharmacometrics, where he develops mathematical and computational models to support drug development. He also teaches courses in modeling and simulation, sharing his passion for making complex ideas accessible.
He writes about mathematics, history, and culture, exploring the people, mistakes, and moments that turn abstract ideas into stories. Numbers That Dazzled the World is his debut book, bringing together his love of science, teaching, and narrative.
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