Last Updated on October 22, 2020 by
Erno Rubik is a Hungarian professor of architecture and an inventor. The professor is best known for inventing the Rubik’s cube in 1974, which is a 3-D combination puzzle. The cube was an instant success globally as well as a staple of the 1980’s popular culture.
Rubik’s cube has sold over 350 million pieces making it the best selling toy of all time. Statistics show that one in every seven people in the world has touched the toy. Because of this cube that he developed, professor Rubik has become one of the celebrated and richest men in Hungary.
What is 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?
This toy became popular in the 1980s, but it is still known and used widely even to date. The cube does not only attract its enthusiast researching its reduction algorithms. It also draws the attention of technical workers and scientists from various walks of life. It has a sophisticated design and ideas as well as several features such as permutation, rotation, combinations, cycle and symmetry.
The features were treated as physical tools and models for the study of specific scientific issues. The study involved using scientific methods or theories in some areas. Various experimental systems that include symmetries and cyclicality, combinations and permutations contain the principles of Rubik’s Cube. Scholars became interested in exploring the fundamental movement principles of the toy.
The cube is made up of nine coloured squares on every side, and it can be rearranged in forty-three quintillion different ways.
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.
