The last days of Évariste Galois were a whirlwind of passion, frustration, and ultimately, tragedy. Here's a glimpse into that period:
1) Focus on Math: Knowing his academic career was uncertain, Galois felt an urgency to solidify his groundbreaking mathematical ideas. He poured his energy into writing them down, fearing they might be lost.
2) Duel and Injury: The exact reason for the duel on May 30, 1832, remains shrouded in mystery. Theories range from a political dispute to a love triangle. Galois was mortally wounded by a gunshot.
3) Final Hours: Abandoned after the duel, Galois was eventually found by a farmer and taken to the hospital. Despite his condition, he reportedly used his remaining time to further explain his mathematical concepts.
4) A Young Genius Lost: Galois died the following day at the age of 20. His final words to his brother Alfred were a testament to his courage: "Don't weep, Alfred! I need all my courage to die at twenty!"
While the cause of the duel is debated, what remains clear is the immense loss Galois's death represented for mathematics. His work, recognized for its brilliance years later, for modern algebra