Born on August 5, 1802 in Findoe, Norway.
Started school at the age of 13.
Father passed away when he was 18.
Died on April 6, 1829 in Froland, Norway at the age of 26 years , 8 months !!!.
What he achieved in such a short span of life dominated by poverty is shockingly amazing !!
For mathematical details you can see the links below and the links there. Even if you are not able to appreciate/understand the quantum of his mathematical work, you can not escape the awe you feel for him when you read about his life !! In spite of a poverty stricken (especially after the death of his father)
short life, he managed to do enough to leave a few things for us !!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_things_named_after_Niels_Henrik_Abel
In 2002, Niels Henrik Abel Memorial Fund was created to award Abel prize to outstanding mathematicians every year. First award was given in 2003 and the prize amount is 6 million NOK(about 750,000 Euro) !!
For me the story of Abel is a very humbling and inspiring at the same time.
http://www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/Biographies/Abel.html
http://www.abelprize.no/nedlastning/litteratur/houzel_the_work.pdf
The Abel Prize supports:
- KappAbel
- Niels Henrik Abel Mathematics Competition
- The Abel Symposium (Norwegian Mathematical Society)
- Other projects aimed at stimulating the interest in mathematics among young people.
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