The Timeless Charm of Chalkboards in Mathematics and Physics
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Chapter 1: The Aesthetic Appeal of Chalkboards
Do you recall the days of chalkboards in classrooms? I was in fourth grade when our school transitioned to whiteboards, and honestly, I wasn't a fan. There's a unique beauty in writing with chalk on a black surface that I feel is rare. Many esteemed universities still favor chalkboards even today. If you were to survey prominent mathematicians and physicists worldwide, I believe a significant number would express their preference for chalkboards. Mathematics embodies artistry and craftsmanship; the joy of creating geometric diagrams, shapes, and patterns using vibrant chalk far surpasses the conventional experience of teaching through modern digital displays.
Personally, I would choose a cozy classroom with a blackboard, where a professor uses colorful chalk, over a large lecture hall equipped with the latest technology. The atmosphere is simply incomparable. Great minds like Albert Einstein, Richard Feynman, and many others, including Professor Walter Lewin and Edward Witten, have all thrived in environments filled with chalkboards. Institutions like Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT still uphold this traditional teaching method.
In this narrative, I will showcase ten extraordinary physicists and mathematicians, each captured with their beloved chalkboards.
The first video, "Why do mathematicians still use blackboards?" delves into the reasons for this enduring preference among scholars.
Section 1.1: Paul Dirac
Paul Dirac is renowned as one of the founders of quantum mechanics. He was the first to predict antimatter, a groundbreaking contribution to our understanding of the universe. In 1933, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics alongside Erwin Schrodinger for his work in atomic theory. Below, Dirac stands before his chalkboard, covered in physics equations.
Chapter 2: Notable Figures and Their Chalkboards
The second video, "Why the World's Best Mathematicians Are Hoarding Chalk," explores the fascination with chalk among top mathematicians.
Section 2.1: Richard Feynman
It would be impossible to exclude Richard Feynman from this list. His vibrant personality was reflected in the expressive chalkboards he used, which vividly showcased his teaching style. The image below captures one of his captivating chalkboard presentations.
Section 2.2: Terence Tao
Professor Terence Tao is considered one of the smartest individuals alive today. A child prodigy, he demonstrated mastery in various mathematical fields from a young age. As the youngest recipient of the Fields Medal in 2006, he currently teaches at UCLA. His unique approach to mathematics is evident in his chalkboard notes.
Section 2.3: Lisa Randall
Professor Lisa Randall, a Harvard expert in particle physics and cosmology, concentrates on the interactions of matter and cosmological models, among other vital areas in theoretical physics.
Section 2.4: Walter Lewin
Professor Walter Lewin is a familiar name, especially among physics enthusiasts. His dynamic lectures at MIT have garnered widespread attention on platforms like YouTube. His enthusiastic and hands-on teaching style has made him a favorite among students.
Section 2.5: Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein, the most iconic genius in history, is celebrated for his theories of relativity and the photoelectric effect, for which he received the Nobel Prize in 1921. The photo below captures him lecturing in Paris, with chalkboards that reflect his brilliance.
Section 2.6: John Wheeler
Professor John Wheeler is shown here at Cambridge, discussing Einstein-Rosen bridges. Few modern professors deliver such visually captivating chalkboard presentations as he did.
Section 2.7: C.V. Raman
I was amazed when I first saw Dr. C.V. Raman in front of his chalkboard. Initially, I thought the diagrams were printed, but they were, in fact, hand-drawn by the distinguished Indian physicist. Dr. Raman received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for his work on light scattering, known as "Raman scattering."
Section 2.8: Wolfgang Pauli
Theoretical physicist Wolfgang Pauli proposed the "Pauli exclusion principle" in 1925. He is a key figure in modern quantum mechanics and won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1945 for his contributions to our understanding of elementary particles.
Section 2.9: Stephen Hawking
" A Brief History of Time" was one of the first science books I read, igniting my passion for science. Stephen Hawking was a profoundly inspirational figure whose lectures were filled with enthusiasm. In this image, he is seen smiling in front of his chalkboard—a sight that I fondly remember.
If you had the chance to attend one of these lectures, which professor would you choose? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Note: Portions of this article were derived from my Twitter thread, and all images are credited to their respective archives and owners mentioned with each photo. Thank you for reading! If you enjoy my writing and wish to support my work, consider becoming a Medium member or buying me a coffee. Stay tuned for more stories!