ARTIGENDA
International Puzzle Day (July)
When: anually
There is not one day of International Puzzle Day. There are two versions of this day. This day is about the day associated with inventor Ernõ Rubik. The other day will take place on 2January 29
Ernõ Rubik
Ernõ Rubik, born on July 13, 1944, in Budapest, Hungary, is also described as the Master of the Cube. Originally, this was a Hungarian architect and mathematician. He also made a name for himself with his inventions, of which the three-dimensional puzzle, the Rubik’s Cube became the most famous. The puzzle became a worldwide phenomenon, especially in the 1980s, challenging millions to take on the cube themselves.
Source: Unsplash.
Early life and education
Ernő Rubik was born at a time of great upheaval. His father, Ernő Rubik Sr. was an engineer who designed gliders, and his mother, Magdolna Szántó, was a poet and artist1. Rubik grew up in an environment that combined both technical and artistic influences, which would greatly influence his later work.
Rubik developed a passion for art and science from an early age. He enjoyed drawing, painting and sculpture but was also fascinated by mathematics and mechanics. After high school, he attended the Technical University of Budapest, where he studied architecture. In 1967, he graduated and began his teaching career at the Budapest School of Applied Arts.
The Rubik's Cube
In the early 1970s, Rubik first began experimenting with three-dimensional geometric shapes as part of his architecture and design classes. From his fascination and inspiration that the possibilities offered, he decided to create a cube that allowed 26 smaller cubes to rotate independently. That was the beginning of the Rubik’s Cube. Yet the cube was renamed the Magic Cube. It became a support during lessons. Soon Rubik realised that this was more than a means of supporting lessons. He therefore applied for a patent on his invention in 1975. Two years later, mass production began in Hungary. In doing so, he made a crucial mistake, as he registered this patent only in Hungary. So it happened that others could also use it. For example, the German Tom Kremmer, introduced the cube to Germany in the 1980s. That became a real success. Since then, millions of cubes have been sold.
The original version of this invention was only 57 mm. high and composed of 27 parts, with the visible sides being surfaces of smaller cubes. These smaller cubes are 1/3 of the cube itself.
Yet it was the Rubik’s cube that became most famous. It didn’t stop at cubes, by the way. He also designed other puzzles and games. Some of his other creations include the Rubik’s Magic, a puzzle consisting of eight connected squares that can be folded into different shapes, and the Rubik’s Snake, a flexible puzzle that can be twisted into different shapes.
Rubik has also contributed to the education and promotion of science and technology. He has written several books on mathematics and puzzles, and he has lectured around the world. In 2007, he founded the Rubik Foundation, an organisation dedicated to promoting science and technology education in Hungary.
Impact
The Rubik’s Cube has had a lasting impact on both popular culture and science. It has inspired countless people to explore mathematics and science, and it has led to the development of new puzzles and games. The cube is often used in educational institutions to promote spatial understanding and problem-solving skills.
In addition, the Rubik’s Cube has played an important role in the development of algorithms and artificial intelligence. Many researchers and programmers have used the cube as a testbed for developing new algorithms and training AI systems. The cube has also contributed to the study of group theory, a branch of mathematics that deals with symmetry and transformations.
Personal life and legacy
Ernő Rubik is a modest and reclusive person who is rarely in the limelight. He still lives in Budapest and remains actively involved in the world of puzzles and games. In 2020, he published his memoir, “Cubed: The Puzzle of Us All,” in which he describes his life and career and reflects on the impact of his invention.
Rubik’s legacy lives on in the millions of people who have solved his cube and in the countless innovations inspired by his work. The Rubik’s Cube remains a symbol of intellectual challenge and creativity, and it continues to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds.
Fair choice?
Ernő Rubik’s contribution a fair choice for International Puzzle Day? Or is the January choice a better idea? In short, Ernő Rubik, John Spilsbury or maybe both? So until a final choice is made, there will be two days dedicated to puzzles.
