This History Episode offers a comprehensive look at the life and achievements of John von Neumann, highlighting his Hungarian origins, child prodigy status, and education. It details his move to the United States and subsequent death at a relatively young age. The text then outlines his five most significant contributions, including the foundational Von Neumann architecture for computing, his crucial work on the atomic bomb during the Manhattan Project, his co-founding of game theory, his formalisation of quantum mechanics, and his pioneering ideas on cellular automata and self-replicating machines. Finally, it summarises his enduring legacy, emphasising his influence across numerous diverse fields such as computing, military strategy, economics, physics, and artificial intelligence, solidifying his reputation as a prominent 20th-century polymath.

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