Évariste Galois - Proving Mathematically That You Can Be Dead By 21

Chances are Galois is one of the most amazing people you have never heard of. The early 19 th century French mathematician led a short but substantial life. By the age of 20 he had surpassed such famous mathematicians as Legendre and Fourier in terms of ingenuity in the field, and his work still forms the foundation of modern abstract algebra.

However, by the age of 21, he was dead. He died in a duel, possibly over a lover. It begs the question, if Galois was so smart, why did he challenge his killer to a duel? Why wouldn't he just use his mental prowess to commit murder in some undetectable way? Is this a case for book vs. street smarts?

We could point to many people today who attempt to kill others (and succeed) without putting their lives in jeopardy. Undoubtedly, the majority of these people could not evaluate a permutation let alone be the first to conceptualize a new field of mathematics from it. They do, however, manage to stay alive.

Did Galois simply lack street smarts?

Or, perhaps, honor is simply on the decline?

(Note: This post was penned by my good friend, The Loble. If we are lucky, this won't be the last.)