Mandelbrot’s book tells the story in a fractal nature – bouncing big and small and returning to reinforce important topics.  From this first family photo Mandelbrot introduces us to the adults that shaped his young life, helped him survive World War II, and put him in position to excel when life provided him with options.  What a family!

Best Quote(s)

“As observed by a writer native to that part of Europe, Woe to the poet born in an interesting piece of geography in a violent time.”

Mandelbrot’s fractals visual replication of geographic features – coast lines and elevations, was one of the first clear victories of the new field.  Mandelbrot’s life would move about the globe, making big leaps and small.

“Other war survivors describe being in a herd on the way to the death camps, noticing a way out, and taking it instantly. That is the kind of man Father was.”

Little opportunities lead to big changes.  Mandelbrot’s family would face many opportunities where following the herd would have led to a very different life – or even death.  Instead, they found the way out.

“They never shouted at each other but argued constantly about strategy, and they taught me very early that before taking big risks, one must carefully figure the odds.”

Discussion of risks helps mitigate risks.  Identify risks, then address them.

“Like many social customs, it could be defied, but at a cost: not being part of a system of patronage that is pervasive in intellectual and professional groups.”

Mandelbrot’s career would lack the rudder of mentorship – but he made up for it by staying focused on finding a larger calling and harnessing his intellectual capabilities and breadth of interests with hard work.

Page by Page

“As observed by a writer native to that part of Europe, Woe to the poet born in an interesting piece of geography in a violent time.”

“To the contrary, one wanted to sacrifice oneself for science.” The author of these words was my uncle Szolem (1899–1983).”

“On gifted youngsters, this environment bestowed absolutely no feeling of entitlement and offered no encouragement by flattery.”

Mandelbrot was born November 20, 1924.

“At the place of honor to Grandfather’s right sits the most senior guest, Jacques Hadamard (1865–1963).”

Photo is from June 1930.

“He was a lifelong self-improver and an extremely widely read, clear-minded, and scholarly person. He was fascinated with how machines worked and very handy with tools—in wartime, he taught me many tricks.”

“Other war survivors describe being in a herd on the way to the death camps, noticing a way out, and taking it instantly. That is the kind of man Father was.”

Collapse of credit early in his life would lead Mandelbrot back to finacial markets later in life.

“None have been paid because everybody is bankrupt; that is what happened.”

“As Father was fighting his final illness, increasing general prosperity destroyed his niche profession.”

“As confirmed by several cousins of Mother who scattered around the world, he pioneered by insisting that all his granddaughters become doctors.”

“Mother was the kind of person who witnessed her world collapse around her six times, regained her composure in no time, and soon resumed full steam.”

“This photo shows me in Świder in 1930 with my brother, Léon, fifteen months younger than I.”

“Father was bold and Mother was cautious. They never shouted at each other but argued constantly about strategy, and they taught me very early that before taking big risks, one must carefully figure the odds.”

“Mother sobbed and I am still ashamed.”

“My high level of self-confidence had its roots at home.”

“They reestablished themselves, only to be ruined a third time by the Depression, a fourth by World War II, and a fifth and final time by a nonpolitical event, Father’s cancer.”

“Like Poincaré and Hadamard, and Isaac Newton long before them, Szolem viewed mathematics as almost real, but with a crucial difference. They were fascinated by profound issues of physics and the actual world, but Szolem was not.”

“Like many social customs, it could be defied, but at a cost: not being part of a system of patronage that is pervasive in intellectual and professional groups.”