Biography
Blaise Pascal was a mathematician and philosopher who invented the calculator and made major contributions to probability theory.
Early Start
Pascal proved geometric theorems at 12 and invented the mechanical calculator at 19 to help his father.
Challenges Overcome
Pascal suffered poor health his entire life but produced groundbreaking work in mathematics and philosophy.
Key Achievements
- Invented mechanical calculator
- Founded probability theory
- Pascal's Triangle
- Wrote Pensées
Why They Inspire Us
Pascal shows that genius can flourish even in adversity.
"The heart has its reasons which reason knows nothing of."