Man from the Future

The fascinating life of John von Neumann, as told through his direct impact on the foundations of mathematics, quantum mechanics, the atomic bomb, game theory, the invention of the computer, and the early theory of artificial intelligence. Von Neumann was at once a timeless genius and a product of his time, driven both by the power of pure logic and his life experiences in pre-war Europe, and his impact on the narrative of his time through his scientific work and his influence on American military policy is remarkable. As with many stories of genius, the book downplays von Neumann's personal shortcomings, which seem a stark contrast to his brilliance in understanding the nature of science and society. But it is a great read and a fascinating story of science, history, and a truly unique figure.