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You might know him from his captivating Numberphile videos, where he tackles intriguing mathematical concepts like the elliptical pool table or the art of cake cutting. But did you know that author and puzzle guru Alex Bellos once ran a nightclub?
In this fascinating interview with Numberphile, Bellos opens up about his unconventional journey, from his early days as a self-proclaimed 'maths person' navigating the world of journalism to becoming a celebrated author bridging the gap between complex mathematical ideas and everyday life.
Born in Oxford to a family immersed in languages and literature, Bellos's path seemed destined for academia. However, a yearning for the 'real world' led him to pursue journalism, with his strong mathematical foundation becoming an unexpected asset in his writing career.
"I always felt it was kind of a bit weird, you know, I was the sort of fish out of water, the mathematician... I wasn't researching math or studying maths, but I definitely had a super mathematical way of understanding the world."
His time as a foreign correspondent in Brazil not only ignited a passion for exploring diverse cultures but also honed his ability to translate complex information into engaging narratives. This skill proved invaluable when he embarked on his journey as a math writer.
"...the Brazilian book that I wrote was the best possible training to write Alex's Adventures in Numberland. What the Brazilian book is, I spent a year going all around Brazil interviewing people in Portuguese, synthesizing in my head, and writing a book for people who have never been to Brazil about what Brazil is like. I did exactly the same thing for Numberland... I was like the foreign correspondent in the world of numbers."
Bellos's approach to writing about math is refreshingly relatable. He envisions himself explaining fascinating mathematical concepts to a friend with no mathematical background, ensuring his writing remains engaging and accessible to all.
His latest book, The Language Lover's Puzzle Book, sees Bellos delve into the fascinating intersection of language and mathematics. Filled with code-breaking puzzles rooted in linguistics, the book challenges readers to decipher patterns and unlock hidden meanings within languages, from ancient hieroglyphics to the intriguing number systems of Papua New Guinea.
"...it's language because it's, you know, hieroglyphics, you know, ancient languages. It's so kind of romantic, this idea of trying to do that, but it's a purely mathematical puzzle. You need to look at the patterns, and it's pattern recognition and then a bit of insight and then working out how you can apply that knowledge."
Through his captivating writing and infectious enthusiasm, Alex Bellos invites us to see the world through a mathematical lens, proving that math can be fun, engaging, and full of unexpected wonders.
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