Daniel Tammet British, autistic savant Date of Birth: 31.07.1979 Country: Great Britain

1. Daniel Tammet: The Man with a Mathematical Mind
2. A Remarkable Encounter
3. Early Life and Neurological Condition
4. Linguistic Abilities
5. The World of Numbers
6. Navigating the Ordinary
7. Personal Life and Literary Success
8. Scientific Interest and Future Prospects

Daniel Tammet: The Man with a Mathematical Mind

Daniel Tammet, a British autistic savant, is a man of extraordinary talents. He can multiply three-digit numbers in his head with ease, speaks at least 10 foreign languages (and created his own), effortlessly extracts cube roots, and "feels" prime and composite numbers. Yet, Tammet is also autistic, which means that alongside his highly developed abilities, he struggles with simple everyday tasks such as distinguishing left from right.

A Remarkable Encounter

In the documentary "The Boy With The Incredible Brain," Tammet met with Kim Peek, the legendary autistic savant portrayed in "Rain Man." Inspired by their encounter, Peek proclaimed that Tammet would one day achieve his level of fame.

Early Life and Neurological Condition

Born in 1979 in London under the name Daniel Paul Corney (which he later changed, finding it ill-suited), Tammet's prodigious memory was evident from childhood. After a severe epileptic seizure at age four, he developed what has been diagnosed as savant syndrome — a condition where individuals with developmental differences possess profound talents in one or more areas.

Linguistic Abilities

One of Tammet's strengths lies in linguistics. He has mastered over 10 foreign languages, including Icelandic, which he learned in just seven days for a reality television show. His exceptional language skills have earned him a following in language teaching.

The World of Numbers

For Tammet, the universe revolves around numbers. He associates each one with a unique image — some are ugly, while others are beautiful. During complex calculations, he visualizes these images in his mind, enabling him to perform incredible feats of mental arithmetic.

Navigating the Ordinary

Despite his extraordinary abilities, everyday tasks present Tammet with significant challenges. Crowded supermarkets and pebbled beaches overwhelm his brain due to the multitude of numbers to process. He struggles in typical office environments, where he requires a strict daily routine, with specific actions performed in a set order.

Personal Life and Literary Success

Tammet, a homosexual, formerly lived with his partner Neil Mitchell, an IT engineer, until 2007. He now resides with Jérôme Tabet, a French photographer, who has encouraged Tammet's personal growth and global travels. Tammet's memoir, "Born on a Blue Day," published in 2006, garnered widespread attention and led to numerous television and radio appearances.

Scientific Interest and Future Prospects

Unlike many savants, Tammet can articulate the process of his mathematical calculations. This ability has made him a fascinating subject of study for scientists, who hope that his insights may provide further understanding of autism. Tammet continues to write books and inspire others with his exceptional mind, revealing the enigmatic and extraordinary nature of the human brain.