Benoit Mandelbrot's fractals reshape understanding of geometry and real-world modeling

Benoit Mandelbrot, a French-American mathematician, revolutionized the understanding of geometry with his discovery of fractals in the 1980s. His work showed that traditional Euclidean geometry could not accurately model the complexities of the natural world. Mandelbrot's fractals, which are patterns that repeat at different scales, allowed mathematicians to visualize irregular phenomena without relying on artificial adjustments. This approach has influenced various fields, including meteorology, finance, and physics. Mandelbrot, who would have turned 100 this month, spent much of his career at IBM and later taught at Yale. His contributions have led to significant advancements in mathematics, earning recognition through awards like the Fields Medal for related research.