Le théorème du parapluie

There are things that seem incredible to most people, unless they have studied mathematics. Archimedes

Sometimes, a simple change of perspective is enough to understand the most complex phenomena. Mickaël Launay, author of the bestseller "The Great Novel of Mathematics," takes his readers on an exciting mathematical journey that begins in the aisles of supermarkets and does not end in the dizzying depths of black holes. His book, both entertaining and intelligent, leaves no one stranded with their small and big questions about life, the universe, and everything else. Look up once more and take a look around: after reading, you may see the world - your world - quite differently.

If we want to understand the world, if we are curious about the universe around us, we risk becoming confused. Essentially, the great scientists of history have primarily rebelled against the established order. Science is the ideal terrain for questioning things, and mathematics provides us with a powerful tool for this. Mathematics means stepping behind the scenes of the world. We sneak behind the stage and observe the enormous gears that move our world. It is a fascinating yet confusing spectacle. Reality resists our senses and our intuition. It refuses to conform to the image we have of it. It turns our assumptions and deepest beliefs upside down. Unassuming details can hide great secrets.