Show notes
Born in the 18th century when Leonhard Euler solved the puzzle of the seven bridges of Königsberg, graph theory has become a foundational tool in mathematics. It studies relationships through nodes (vertices) and the links (edges) that connect them, transforming the complexity of systems — from friendship networks to airline routes — into elegant abstractions that reveal underlying structure and interaction.
Highlighted moments
when the mayor of that town, Königsberg, asked him to think about this question, Euler complained, what are you asking me for? This is not a math problem.
“If you have a proof, it convinces them. It doesn't matter how you say it. And it's the same around the world.”
“I'm sure of the fact that of all the subjects I could study, the one that required the least command of a language was math. It's had a lot to do with my choice of field of study.”
Transcript
Transcript not available for this episode yet.
More from The Joy of Why
How Fast Is the Universe Really Expanding?
Jul 23, 20261h 4m
Will We Ever Find Alien Civilizations?
Jul 9, 202653 min
What Is the Positive Grassmannian and Why Does It Show Up Everywhere?
Jun 25, 202651 min
What’s the Future of Gene Editing?
Jun 11, 202651 min
More Conversations, Complex Questions, and Bold Ideas in Season Five of ‘The Joy of Why’
Jun 4, 20261 min