Imagine submitting a groundbreaking shortest math paper that’s only two words long. No lengthy proofs, no complex abstract, just two succinct words paired with a neat diagram. Sound impossible? Enter John Conway and Alexander Soifer, two brilliant minds from Princeton University, who broke convention and published what is arguably the shortest math article in history.
Back in April 2004, Conway and Soifer set out to push the boundaries of conventional mathematical publications. Their paper, submitted to The American Mathematical Monthly, contained just two simple words “n² + 2 can” along with two accompanying diagrams. The pair’s mission wasn’t just to showcase elegant mathematics but to establish a world record for brevity.
But there was a problem. The editorial team initially didn’t know what to do with the article. Was it too short to qualify as a “real” math paper?
The Paper That Almost Wasn’t
True to mathematical precision, Conway and Soifer resisted padding their paper with unnecessary explanations. They believed the mathematics spoke for itself. However, the editorial assistant responded, saying,
“Your article, however, is a bit too short to be a good Monthly article… A line or two of explanation would really help.”
Instead of giving in to convention, Conway encouraged his co-author, saying, “Do not give up too easily.” The pair pushed back, challenging the notion that verbosity equates to quality, asking a critical question,
“Is there a connection between quantity and quality?”
What unfolded next cemented the article’s place in the annals of mathematical history.
After further deliberation, the editor-in-chief offered a compromise. While the paper was deemed too short for traditional sections of the journal, it could be published as a “boxed filler” in an empty page space. John Conway and Soifer agreed, and in January 2005, their historic two-word paper saw the light of day. The title and content were adjusted slightly, but the essence remained the same.
The Mathematical Genius Behind It
What makes the paper fascinating isn’t just its brevity, but its ability to highlight the elegance and simplicity of mathematics. These two words pose a striking open problem with two cleanly drawn solutions. The mathematical community didn’t need paragraphs of prose to grasp its depth. Instead, the simplicity opened doors for readers to pause, think, and explore the subject themselves.
Conway and Soifer’s paper reminds us that mathematics is a universal language. It’s less about the number of words on a page and more about the clarity and power of the ideas expressed.
The Legacy of the Shortest Math Paper
This seemingly small feat holds a deeper meaning. It challenged a longstanding academic bias that the length of a publication is tied to its significance. Through this unconventional approach, Conway and Soifer delivered a pivotal message to mathematicians and researchers worldwide. The real value of academic contributions lies in their substance, not their size.
Today, that two-word paper continues to inspire not just mathematicians but creatives and thinkers everywhere. It proves that bold ideas don’t need to be verbose. Sometimes, less really is more.
Whether you’re a student learning algebra or an artist crafting a visual masterpiece, Conway’s audacious approach serves as a reminder to simplify when possible.
But here’s the real question for all you enthusiasts out there: How can you challenge conventional approaches in your field?
