Fibonacci, of course! In a TED talk titled "The Magic of Fibonacci Numbers," Harvey Mudd math professor and mathemagician extraordinaire Arthur Benjamin argues that we learn mathematics for three reasons: calculation, application, and inspiration.
Benjamin uses his "favorite collection of numbers"—the Fibonaccis—to show his audience how math is "fun," "beautiful," and capable of exciting the mind.
He concludes: "Mathematics is not just solving for x. It's also figuring out why."
Watch the video.