Who is considered a 'legend' in maths?

The term "legend" in mathematics typically refers to mathematicians whose contributions were exceptionally profound, transformative, and have had a lasting impact on the field. There isn't an official list, but several figures are consistently viewed as legends due to their groundbreaking work and influence.

Characteristics of a Mathematical Legend:

• Solved famously difficult problems.
• Opened up entirely new fields of mathematical inquiry.
• Introduced fundamental concepts or techniques widely adopted by others.
• Had an extraordinary depth of insight or breadth of work.
• Their work significantly influenced the course of science and philosophy.

Examples of Figures Often Considered Legends (similar to "greatest," but with an emphasis on iconic status):

• Archimedes: For his pioneering work in antiquity that foreshadowed calculus and his ingenious applications.
• Isaac Newton: For co-inventing calculus and his revolutionary work in physics based on mathematical principles.
• Leonhard Euler: For his prolific output across nearly all mathematical fields of his time and for standardizing much of modern notation.
• Carl Friedrich Gauss: Often called the "Prince of Mathematicians" for his deep and wide-ranging contributions from a young age.
• Srinivasa Ramanujan: For his almost mystical intuition with numbers and highly original contributions, especially considering his lack of formal training.
• Euclid: For creating a deductive system for geometry that endured for millennia.

Key Takeaway: A "legend" in maths is a title of high esteem given to mathematicians whose impact was extraordinarily significant and enduring. While subjective, figures like Archimedes, Newton, Euler, Gauss, and Ramanujan are frequently cited due to their transformative and iconic contributions.