A. N. Kolmogorov

Alexander Nikolaevitch Kolmogorov was a Russian mathematician and one of the most influential and preeminent figures in the 20th century. His contributions to the field of mathematics continue to be appreciated and revered in the modern era.

Kolmogorov was born in 1903 in Moscow. He was a brilliant student from an early age, mastering material quickly. When he was 15 years old, he entered the Moscow State University. During his first year at the university, he found himself studying mathematics and physics, as well as theology. Within two years, he had successfully completed courses in both subjects and, in 1929, he graduated from the university with a diploma in mathematics.

Throughout his career, Kolmogorov published more than 200 papers and wrote six major monographs. His work encompassed mathematics, probability theory, logic, measure theory and the theory of algorithms. He is best known for his work on probability theory, in which he reshaped the theoretical foundation of the field. In 1933, he published his groundbreaking paper, Foundation of the Theory of Probability, which revolutionized the discipline and earned him a half share of the 1933 Nevanlinna Prize.

In addition to his foundational contributions to the field of mathematics, Kolmogorov also founded the Moscow School of Probability Theory and contributed to the mathematical theory of information. He wrote extensively on algorithmic complexity and the theory of dynamical systems. He also had considerable influence on the development of modern computers.

Kolmogorov was a vocal advocate for the need for mathematics education to be tailored to the students' interests and abilities. He believed in a "technological literacy" that encouraged students to explore, experiment and develop their own mathematical knowledge. He is seen as a pioneering figure in the development of the modern school curriculum and educational standards.

Kolmogorov was highly regarded by his contemporaries and was a recipient of numerous awards and honours. In 1925, he was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labour, and in 1957 was elected a full member of the Soviet Academy of Sciences. In 1959, he was honored with the Medal of Quevedo. He served as the Chairman of the Moscow Mathematical Society from 1932 to 1959, and he was a visiting professor at the Marshall University in California in 1960.

To this day, Kolmogorov continues to be cited in contemporary literature and literature reviews. He remains a highly respected figure in the mathematical and scientific community, and is revered as one of the greatest mathematicians in history. His work and ideas continue to influence modern mathematics and its applications in everyday life.