The four color theorem says any map needs only four colors so no neighbors match — simple to say, monstrous to prove. Mathematicians hurled themselves at it for over a century, and when the proof finally came in 1976, a computer did the heavy lifting, checking cases no human lifetime could. Some mathematicians were genuinely mad about it. "Proven, reluctantly, by computer" might be the funniest sentence in the history of mathematics: we solved it, but we're not happy about how. I love it the way I love all victories that come with an asterisk and a sigh.

Printed on the Bella + Canvas 3001 — soft, lightweight airlume cotton with a retail unisex fit.

This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!