Author notes

042. Irrational Behavior

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on July 12, 2009

The alternate title is "The Root of Evil." My brother came up with "Irrational Behavior," and he's cleverer than I. We had a tough time choosing between the two titles.

I was struggling to come up with a gag for this week, so I fell back on the old standby, the truth. I was amused/intrigued by this story when I first heard it. It combines mathematics, musicians, secret societies, and violence. What's not to love? You can't make this stuff up.

This particular tale might not be entirely true (it is considered to be in the realm of legend), but it is quite possible. Scientific/mathematical debates have resulted in more than just heated words and scathing reviews. Scientists have fought gun duels over their theories – and they were also routinely executed by powerful organizations (political, religious, secret societies, etc.).