Paul Erdős
Paul Erdős was a Hungarian mathematician known for his extensive work in number theory, combinatorics, and graph theory. Born on March 26, 1913, he published more than 1,500 mathematical papers, making him one of the most prolific mathematicians in history. Erdős was famous for his collaborative approach, often working with other mathematicians, which led to the creation of the Erdős number, a way to describe the "collaborative distance" between him and other mathematicians.
Erdős lived a nomadic lifestyle, traveling around the world to collaborate with peers, and he had a unique personality characterized by his eccentric habits. He referred to children as "epsilons" and had a deep passion for mathematics, often prioritizing it over personal comforts. He passed away on September 20, 1996, leaving a lasting legacy in the mathematical community.