Erno Rubik became one of the richest men in Hungary thanks to a toy he developed: the Rubik’s Cube. The Rubik’s Cube became a global phenomenon in the 1980s and has sold over 350 million units worldwide. Rubik’s net worth is estimated to be over $400 million, making him one of the richest men in Hungary.
What is the Rubik’s Cube?
Rubik’s cube is a classic brain-training toy that was used for scientific research and technology development by several scholars. It is a popular mechanical puzzle that attracts attention around the globe due to its unique characteristics.
The toy was developed in 1974 by Erno Rubik and it was initially known as the magic cube. The unique characteristics of this cube had a significant impact on humankind, and it is listed among the 100 most influential inventions of the 20th century.
The cube won the German Game of the Year special award, and it has also won similar awards for the best toy in the U.S and the U.K.
What is the Use of Rubik’s Cube?
The Rubik’s Cube is a popular 3D combination puzzle that serves several purposes and benefits:
- Entertainment: Its primary use is as a form of entertainment. Solving the cube involves complex algorithms and strategies, making it a challenging and intellectually stimulating game.
- Brain Training: Solving the Rubik’s Cube enhances cognitive skills such as spatial reasoning, problem-solving, memory, and patience. It exercises both the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
- Stress Relief: Many people find solving the cube to be a relaxing and meditative activity. Focusing on the puzzle can temporarily divert attention from stressors.
- Educational Tool: The cube is used as an educational tool in mathematics and computer science to teach concepts like group theory, permutations, and algorithms.
- Competitive Sport: Speedcubing, the competitive sport of solving the Rubik’s Cube as quickly as possible, has gained popularity worldwide. It fosters healthy competition and camaraderie among participants.
- Artistic Expression: Some individuals use Rubik’s Cubes for artistic endeavors, creating mosaics and sculptures by arranging cubes in specific patterns.
- Memory Enhancement: Speedcubers often employ mnemonic techniques to remember algorithms, improving memory and cognitive skills.
- Community and Social Interaction: Solving the cube can be a social activity, bringing people together at clubs, competitions, and online forums to share tips and strategies.
- Problem-Solving Skills: It teaches perseverance and problem-solving, encouraging individuals to think critically and creatively when faced with challenges.
- Global Icon: The Rubik’s Cube is an iconic symbol of the 1980s and a representation of creative thinking and innovation.
How Did Rubik solve the Rubik’s Cube?
It took more than one month of hard effort for Rubik to solve the cube. He began by aligning the eight corner cubes correctly then discovered several sequences of moves. The professor could then rearrange a few of them at a time. After twisting and re-twisting the cubes, he was finally able to find the solution. He said that anyone curious and determined could solve the puzzles though it is not quite easy. He applied for a patent in Hungry on his cube in 1975.
Why Was the Cube Successful?
The cube became successful because people were looking for a challenge. When it was first released, many college professors across the globe were trying to figure out different algorithms on how to solve it. It was a mystery that was considered impossible to the world.
With time, more and more people could solve the puzzle since the knowledge that accumulated in the world spread. It then reached a point where just solving the mystery was not enough, but people started looking for the person who could solve it fast.
The manufacturers began making speed cubes as opposed to the original Rubik’s cube. The World Cube Association was launched, and competitions began.
What Are the Benefits of Solving Rubik’s Cube?
Solving Rubik’s cube has various benefits, and this can be done by a person of any age as long as one has cognitive capabilities. The benefits include;
It Helps to Improve the Memory
You can either solve the cubes with or without any algorithms and guides. The hobby helps you to improve your memory, especially muscle memory. Improvement of mind is useful to a driver or a person that plays musical instruments such as a piano.
It Improves Your Patience
Solving the puzzle is not easy, even the beginner method. As you try to arrange the cubes, it tests your perseverance, and eventually, you become patient. If you are persistent and patient, you will manage to learn it and also other things.
It Engages Your Mind and Keeps it Active.
When you solve the Rubik’s cube, your brain cells remain active, whether you are a speed solver or a puzzle lover. Keeping your brain busy eventually helps to keep its cognitive functions in shape.
It Can Help Break Mild Addictions
For anyone trying to break any mild addiction, it is recommended that you keep your brains and hands engaged. Solving a cube is quite helpful as it will distract you from whatever addiction, such as nail-biting. It is, however, advisable to consult a specialist if you are dealing with a severe addiction.
It Helps to Improve the Dexterity and Agility of Your Fingers
Solving the Rubik’s cube makes your fingers more agile and fast, and this can help you type quickly on your computer. It can also help with degeneration of the joints, especially in old age as well as keep your fingers in shape.
Your Reflexes Become Faster
Speedcubing helps your reflexes become faster, and this can be a useful lifesaver. Your reflexes become faster, especially when using hands and also reading and spotting with vision. Speed solving requires you to see colours move fast and perform the next move according to the colours that you moved before.
It is Entertaining and Relaxing
Solving the Rubik’s cube is entertaining, and it can also be life-changing. The hobby will help you to relax from stresses of the day-to-day routine as well as help in exercising your brain.
Conclusion
The popularity that Rubik’s cube has gained over the years makes it one of the sought-after toys. The toy is also among the best selling worldwide and thanks to it, Professor Rubik has become one of the wealthiest people in Hungary.
It is a toy worth purchasing and solving.
References:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Erno-Rubik
https://hustlersdigest.com/who-became-one-of-the-richest-men-in-hungary-thanks-to-a-toy-he-developed/
