David Hilbert

Date of Birth: January 23, 1862

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: February 14, 1943

Biography

David Hilbert was a pioneering German mathematician whose work in the fields of invariant theory, algebraic number theory, and the foundations of geometry significantly shaped modern mathematics. Born in Königsberg, Prussia (now Kaliningrad, Russia) in 1862, Hilbert displayed an early aptitude for mathematics. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of Königsberg in 1885 and subsequently became a professor there before moving to the University of Göttingen in 1895. Hilbert’s contributions spanned various areas of mathematics. He is perhaps best known for his formalization of geometry, presented in his 1899 book “Foundations of Geometry,” where he provided a set of axioms for Euclidean geometry. Furthermore, his work on Hilbert spaces laid the groundwork for functional analysis and quantum mechanics. In 1900, at the International Congress of Mathematicians in Paris, Hilbert presented a list of 23 unsolved problems, now famously known as Hilbert’s problems, which guided much of the mathematical research in the 20th century. Throughout his career, Hilbert received numerous accolades and significantly influenced the development of modern mathematics. He was also known for his teaching and mentorship, contributing to the nurturing of the next generation of mathematicians.

5 Interesting Facts about David Hilbert

1. David Hilbert’s doctoral dissertation was on the invariants of algebraic forms, a topic that would become a central theme in his later work.

2. Hilbert’s 23 problems, presented in 1900, have inspired countless mathematical breakthroughs and continue to be a focal point of mathematical research.

3. Hilbert was instrumental in developing the formalist philosophy of mathematics, which posits that mathematical truths are not innate but rather constructed through formal systems and rules.

4. He made significant contributions to the theory of integral equations, which are essential in quantum mechanics and other fields of physics.

5. Hilbert was a strong advocate for the unity of science and believed that every mathematical problem was solvable, famously stating, “We must know. We will know.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from David Hilbert

1. “Mathematics knows no races or geographic boundaries; for mathematics, the cultural world is one country.”

2. “We must know. We will know.”

3. “Every kind of science, if it has only reached a certain degree of maturity, automatically becomes a part of mathematics.”

4. “One can measure the importance of a scientific work by the number of earlier publications rendered superfluous by it.”

5. “The art of doing mathematics consists in finding that special case which contains all the germs of generality.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

David Hilbert was a mathematician and academic, and there are no records of his net worth in financial terms. His wealth was primarily in his intellectual contributions to mathematics.