The Great Read: The Texas Oil Heir Who Took On Math’s Impossible Dare

James M. Vaughn Jr., wielding a fortune, argues that he brought about the Fermat breakthrough after the best and brightest had failed for centuries to solve the puzzle.

Continue reading the main story January 31, 2022 Every weekday, we recommend one piece of exceptional writing from The Times — a narrative or essay that takes you someplace you might not expect to go. Brandon Thibodeaux for The New York Times Profiles in Science The Texas Oil Heir Who Took On Math's Impossible Dare James M. Vaughn Jr., wielding a fortune, argues that he brought about the Fermat breakthrough after the best and brightest had failed for centuries to solve the puzzle. Open now Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for top stories or great reads from The New York Times. To stop receiving these emails, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018