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I wrote a German espionage novel about the topic, based on the idea that someone might have found a promising proof of P=NP. However, it got a pretty damning re
by jonathanstrange 5y ago
I wrote a German espionage novel about the topic, based on the idea that someone might have found a promising proof of P=NP. However, it got a pretty damning review. Maybe someone with better writing skills should take up the topic?
- Rerarom 5y agohttps://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/37986693-factor-man https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/37986693-factor-man
- einpoklum 5y agoDamning review of your book, or damning review of the proof? ... Anyway, awesome pun!
- jsnell 5y agoWas P=NP just an arbitrary McGuffin, or did the proof actually have plot ramifications?
- jonathanstrange 5y agoNo, not arbitrary. It could have been any other technique or proof that potentially makes breaking ciphers easier, but the idea in the novel is that the proof might have constructive applications or could at least lead to them, and the mathematician who developed it is specialized in the topic and not a crackpot. The decisive factor for the plot is that other agencies want to have it, though.
- shadowgovt 5y agoIt's never said explicitly, but I believe the McGuffin in the movie Sneakers implies its inventor has either found a proof of P=NP or has implemented an algorithm that would imply a proof of P=NP.