Skip to main content

TED-Ed

The greatest mathematician that never lived - Pratik Aghor

2,720,076 Views

4,251 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

When Nicolas Bourbaki applied to the American Mathematical Society in the 1950s, he was already one of the most influential mathematicians of his time. He’d published articles in international journals and his textbooks were required reading. Yet his application was firmly rejected for one simple reason: Nicolas Bourbaki did not exist. How is that possible? Pratik Aghor digs into the mystery.

Watch the video and finish the Think section to complete the lesson.


About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

Educator
Pratik Aghor
Director
Iuri Araujo, Guilherme Araujo
Narrator
Addison Anderson
Animator
Iuri Araujo, Guilherme Araujo
Storyboard Artist
Iuri Araujo, Guilherme Araujo
Art Director
Iuri Araujo, Iuri Araujo
Music
Cem Misirlioglu
Director of Production
Gerta Xhelo
Editorial Director
Alex Rosenthal
Producer
Bethany Cutmore-Scott
Editorial Producer
Dan Kwartler
Script Editor
Alex Gendler
Fact-Checker
Eden Girma

More from Inventions that Shape History