Euclid: " The Father of Geometry"
“The laws of nature are but the mathematical thoughts of God.”
Life:
Euclid, also known as the Euclid of Alexandria, was born around 325 BCE in Alexandria, Egypt. He later became a well know mathematician in Greek and the near East for his contribution in geometry and logic. During his early years, Euclid likely studied under Plato’s Academy in Athens, and founded the mathematical school in Alexandria. He is a well know mathematician in Greek, where his work The Elements was considered the foundation of geometry in ancient Greek and used as the standard math textbook for 2,300+ years after his death in 265 BCE.
Works:
Other than The Elements, Euclid also have several mathematical books. Although some have not passed down, others have survived through the history.
Achievements:
Throughout his life, Euclid established and made great contributions to the Axiomatic Method, Foundations of Geometry, and the Number Theory. Valuing logical deduction and eternal truths, his works reflected the Platonic Tradition, and his mindset greatly influenced later mathematicians and scientists. Other than building on the foundations of modern geometry, Euclid also discovered the method of deductive reasoning and proved the infinitude of primes. Nowadays, the term “Euclidean” defines the modern geometry. Euclid’s enduring contribution to mathematics lies in his creation of a logical, axiomatic framework that not only defined the structure of geometry for over two millennia but also set the standard for rigorous mathematical thinking across all disciplines.