I walk around in a near-constant state of inspiration with a great hunger of knowledge, and I read everything I can about math and physics, often developing my own theories along the way.
Jason Padgett is an American mathematician who became notorious for being one of the rare recorded cases of Acquired Savant Syndrome. He sees numbers in fractals and is the only person in the world capable of drawing these shapes, which are highly abstract, by hand. Because of this, Padgett has been called by some a genius of mathematics of unprecedented proportions.
History
Padgett was a furniture salesman in the city of Tacoma, Washington, who had very little academic interest, and made no progress beyond pre-algebra in his mathematical studies.
In 2002, two men assaulted Padgett at a karaoke bar, leaving him with a severe concussion and post-traumatic stress disorder, which made him develop an ability to visualize complex mathematical objects and intuitive physics concepts. The day after the accident, when he woke up, he could only see complicated mathematical formulas. Wherever he looked, he mathematically understood the phenomena around him. When he passed the formulas onto the sheets, instead of writing, he drew beautiful structures called fractals.
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Post-Incident Career
From that moment on, Padgett became the subject of several researches. When neurologists studied his brain they realized that part of it had been damaged forever (due to the kicks). To compensate for that damaged part, the brain was using parts that are rarely used more. Coincidentally one of the activated parts of the brain had made him a mathematical genius.
The conclusion of this research suggests that he had Acquired Savant Syndrome in which a normal person develops prodigious skills after a serious injury or illness. Other people have developed remarkable musical or artistic skills, but few have acquired mathematical skills like Padgett. He also seems to have acquired synesthesia , which is a phenomenon in which one sense mixes with the other, which allows him to perceive mathematical formulas as geometric figures.
In 2014, the memoir “ Struck by Genius: How a Brain Injury Made Me a Mathematical Marvel ” was released in which Jason tells his story. In September of the same year, according to information from the American magazine "The Hollywood Reporter", this book will receive a cinematographic adaptation, with no release date yet.
Transforming Trauma into Triumph and Inspiring a Mathematical Renaissance
Jason Padgett, renowned for his extraordinary abilities to perceive intricate geometric shapes following a life-altering attack, now embraces the incident and its aftermath as a valuable gift. Since the assault, Padgett's life has taken an inspiring turn. He has not only created and sold captivating artwork on his personal website, showcasing the mesmerizing shapes he sees but also authored a book chronicling his experience and its impact on his life. Furthermore, he has captivated audiences through his engaging TEDx talks. Recognizing the significance of his journey, Studio Sony has acquired the rights to produce a biographical film about his remarkable life.
After fifteen years, a significant turning point emerged when one of Padgett's attackers, Brady Simmons, reached out to him. Having transformed his own life, Simmons attained sobriety and extended a heartfelt apology to Jason for his past actions. The meeting between the two men proved to be a deeply cathartic and healing experience.
Padgett firmly believes that his encounters and his unique ability to perceive geometric shapes will contribute significantly to the realms of science and mathematics. He remains hopeful that his story will inspire more students to pursue careers in math and science as they recognize the profound applications of these disciplines in our daily lives.
In 2021, seeking a new environment for himself and his family, Jason developed a program to determine an ideal place to reside, ultimately leading them to Carmel, Indiana.
Books
- 2014 - “Struck by Genius: How a Brain Injury Made Me a Mathematical Marvel”
