Fermat's last theorem solved

Practical applications to pure science and maths often occur later, and sometimes they are unexpected, but our very brains and how they work are all the justification necessary for the pursuit of knowledge and the artistry of mathematics. We do this stuff because we are human. To me it is the same thing as being artistic in other ways, such as creative writing or painting. It's how we roll.

I too remember the TV programme about Andrew Wiles solving it, so I was puzzled seeing this thread title! Glad he's getting the Abel prize for this - what an amazing achievement!

Oh I agree Jane I just wondered about practical applications.
I do admire anyone who persues learning just "because it's there to be learned".

Forgot to say, thank you for the link bags

According to the article, Andrew Wiles solved the theorem about 20 years ago. I remember seeing the telly programme about it.
He has just apparently rather belatedly been awarded the Abel Prize for it.
Ann mathematics is another country to me but there is still something awe inspiring about someone solving a problem more than 300 years old. According to the article, the methods used have practical applications within mathematics.

This is a genuine query, is it of benefit to anyone or just an academic exercise?