The Man Who Knew Infinity: A Life of the Genius, Ramanujan Study Questions & Topics for Discussion

The Man Who Knew Infinity: A Life of the Genius, Ramanujan Topics for Discussion

To what extent do you believe that Hardy's relationship with Ramanujan helped Ramanujan? To what extent did it hurt him?

Why was Ramanujan so unable to fit into English society? To what extent is his experience typical?

Explain Ramanujan's religious devotion and its role in his mathematical work.

Compare and contrast the different mathematical styles and personalities of Hardy and Ramanujan?

Imagine that Ramanujan and Hardy could have switched places as children. How would their lives have been different?

What responsibility does society have to geniuses? What responsibility do geniuses have to society?

What do you think makes a genius? Give examples of people that you think are geniuses and explain why.