Piet Hein (scientist)

Piet Hein (1905-1996) was a Danish polymath, renowned for his contributions to science, mathematics, invention, writing, and art. He is best known for his invention of the Soma cube, a dissection puzzle, and the Hex game, a topological game played on a rhombus-shaped board.

Hein was a versatile thinker with formal training in both theoretical physics and art. He studied at the Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of Copenhagen (later the Niels Bohr Institute) and at the Technical University of Denmark.

His contributions spanned diverse fields. In mathematics, he explored problems related to geometry and topology. His geometrical puzzle, the Soma cube, became a popular recreational mathematics tool. He also designed and popularized the superellipse, a mathematical curve that is an intermediate between an ellipse and a rectangle. This curve was applied in architecture and design, notably in furniture and urban planning.

Hein was also a prolific writer of "grooks" (Danish: gruk), short, witty poems often containing philosophical insights. These grooks were widely published and translated, bringing him international recognition. They are characterized by their succinctness, humor, and profound observations on life, science, and human nature.

Beyond his scientific and artistic endeavors, Hein was an inventor and designer. He designed various games, puzzles, and practical objects, often employing mathematical principles to create aesthetically pleasing and functional designs. His work reflects a deep appreciation for symmetry, simplicity, and the power of elegant solutions.