What Readers Say

"Richard Wesley Hamming was one of the great thinkers of the twentieth century. 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 example. By studying the actions of immensely talented scientists and engineers, he observed patterns led to successful accomplishments. Many anecdotes relay his insights, perhaps best summed up by his favorite saying from Louis Pasteur: ‘Luck favors the prepared mind.”

“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, and it is a fitting tribute to this distinguished scholar.”

“As is true of very intelligent men, he (Richard 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.”

“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.”