Work
His definition of CW complexes gave a setting for homotopy theory that became standard. He introduced the idea of simple homotopy theory, which was later much developed in connection with algebraic K-theory. The Whitehead product is an operation in homotopy theory. The Whitehead problem on abelian groups was solved (as an independence proof) by Saharon Shelah. His involvement with topology and the Poincaré conjecture led to the creation of the Whitehead manifold. The definition of crossed modules is due to him. Whitehead also made important contributions in differential topology, particularly on triangulations and their associated smooth structures.
Read more about this topic: J. H. C. Whitehead
Famous quotes containing the word work:
“I have always thought that one man of tolerable abilities may work great changes, and accomplish great affairs among mankind, if he first forms a good plan, and, cutting off all amusements or other employments that would divert his attention, make the execution of that same plan his sole study and business.”
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790)
“God made integers, all else is the work of man.”
—Leopold Kronecker (1823–1891)
“Idleness makes people feeble and peevish. Work makes them stalwart and prone to anger.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)