16/07/2026
In 1724, a 14-year-old African boy arrived in Virginia in chains. 😯
He spoke no English, could neither read nor write, and received no formal education in mathematics. Yet Thomas Fuller, later known as “The Virginia Calculator,” became one of history’s greatest mental mathematicians. 🤓
At around 80 years old, two abolitionists tested him: “How many seconds are in a year and a half?” He instantly replied: 47,304,000, correct.
Then came a harder question: “How many seconds will a man aged 70 years, 17 days, and 12 hours live?” He answered 2,210,500,800… and calmly pointed out their mistake on leap years. ✅
Illiterate his entire life, Fuller died in 1790. His extraordinary story was widely used by anti-slavery activists to prove that intelligence has nothing to do with skin color or formal schooling. 👏
23/10/2024
11/10/2024