The Richard Wesley Hamming Legacy Project is dedicated to celebrating the life and contributions of one of the most influential mathematicians of our time.
Through this website, you will explore his groundbreaking work in information theory, coding, and computer science.
Dive into a wealth of resources including essays, lectures, and interviews that highlight Hamming's profound impact on technology and education. Our aim is to inspire a new generation of thinkers to embrace curiosity and innovation, just as Hamming did. Join us as we honor his legacy and continue to spread his ideas around the world.
COMMENTS ABOUT THIS BOOK AND RICHARD WESLEY HAMMING
"The research reported in this book is extensive, the organization is effective, and the narrative is enjoyable to read. Very few researchers or professors have such a complete biography, which is a fitting tribute to this distinguished scholar."
- Hersch Loomis, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the Naval Postgraduate School.
"As is true of very intelligent men, Hamming was able to explain the most difficult problem in simple terms to me, the person in the room with the non-scientific mind. I'm sure you have heard the saying, ‘Little men discuss people, ordinary men discuss events, great men discuss ideas.” Dick discussed ideas."
- Shirley Loomis, a longtime friend.
"Dick Hamming was a true original. He often said that he was just an ordinary person, but one who thought all the time about his life and how to make the most of it. And that he did.”
- Brian Kernighan, a co-worker at AT&T Bell Labs and a
Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Princeton University.
"Richard Wesley Hamming was one of the twentieth century's great thinkers. He paid attention. Early in life, he decided that the best way to make great contributions was to pay attention to great contributors and learn from their examples. By studying the actions of immensely talented scientists and engineers, he observed patterns that led to successful accomplishments. Anecdotes relay his insights, perhaps best summed up by his favorite saying from Louis Pasteur: 'Luck favors the prepared mind.' Hamming's lessons and encouragement deserve study by every aspiring scientist and engineer looking to broaden human knowledge, thereby making the world better, through their research."
- Donald Brutzman, a professor at NPS and former student.
"Richard Wesley Hamming: Man, Mathematician and Mentor is an exceptional tribute biography of an influential American mathematician known for his work in computer engineering and telecommunications. The result of exhaustive research, this book interweaves stories, photographs, video footage, and interviews that give insight into Hamming’s life experiences and accomplishments from those whom he enabled. Martin Mandelberg, the biographer, presents a comprehensive chronology with narratives that cause us to reflect on those who have influenced us and those we, in turn, might influence. This story and its timeless lessons deserve reading by those looking to improve the world".
- From the Publisher.
“If you don’t work on important problems, it’s not likely that you’ll do important work.”
“The Purpose of Computing is insight, not numbers.”
“It is better to do the right problem the wrong way, than the wrong problem the right way.”
- Richard Wesley Hamming
“A person’s legacy should not be limited to just what they attempt and accomplish in their lifetime; it should include what is attempted and accomplished by succeeding generations of individuals that they helped enable.” - Martin Mandelberg
Copyright © 2025 Richard Wesley Hamming Legacy Project - All Rights Reserved.