Episode 4: Simon Altmann by Claret & Conversation

Claret & Conversation: Voices from the Creative Industry

'Creativity is Curiosity.' Mathematics professor at Oxford, art historian, poet, philosopher, superb aphorist - is there anything Simon Altmann can't do? Listen as he discusses how creativity and curiosity have shaped his life.

Simon Altmann was born in Argentina and grew up in the shadow of WWII. After receiving British Council funding to study in London for two years, Simon returned to Argentina. He soon realised he would have to leave, not only because there was little opportunity to earn a living as a mathematics professor, but also because of the political situation under Juan Peron. After refusing to join the political party, Simon left to work in Oxford and has only returned to Argentina once ever since.

As a professor of mathematics, Simon made many breakthroughs. He wrote code for the Manchester computer and developed new uses and understanding of rotational algebra. After retiring in the 1990s, Simon turned his attention to writing, publishing a book on mathematics and then philosophy. He continues to write poetry and has recently published a paper on art history.

In this podcast, Katie and Simon discuss the role of curiosity in creativity. They examine how being curious allows one to learn more and deepen understanding and how this in turn permits you to be more creative. They also talk about the need to go back to the source, reading not just the expert opinion, but the opinion which informs the expert opinion.

Read more from Simon in the Madras Courier: https://madrascourier.com/author/simonaltmann/

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