William James Sidis

Mathematician and historian

William James Sidis - Mathematician and historian
Born

April 1st, 1898
126 years ago

Died

July 17th, 1944
80 years ago — 46 years old

Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

United States

Links & References

Born in Ukraine and raised in the United States, an early child prodigy exhibited extraordinary mathematical abilities and achieved admission to Harvard University at age 11. He studied mathematics, linguistics, and history, earning a reputation for his intellect. Sidis wrote extensively on various topics, including a comprehensive work on the foundations of mathematics. His life included periods of intense public interest and eventual retreat from fame, leading to a more private existence. Despite the challenges faced, contributions to multiple fields were notable, particularly in mathematics and the study of the history of languages.

Admitted to Harvard University at age 11

Authored 'The Animate and the Inanimate'

Contributed to the study of linguistics

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