In the year 1900, the mathematician Hilbert proposed a list of the most important mathematical questions for the coming century. This list, while not necessarily influential for Hilbert’s contemporaries, effectively epitomized the status of mathematics at the time. About 7 of the problems were solved by 2000, at which point Hilbert had died and another mathematician proposed a list of the most important questions for the 21st century. In that spirit, I’d like to propose the 10 most important problems in the world today. If you agree, or disagree, with these, I’d love to hear your lists as well. I am sure of one thing: if we can solve even five, even three, even one of these problems in the next century, the world will be a better place.

The Top Ten:

1. War

2. Hunger

3. Discrimination, ethnocentrism, prejudice, hate

4. Energy (global warming, nuclear waste…)

5. Pollution (overconsumption, mounds of trash)

6. Free education

7. Restriction of liberty

8. Lack of opportunities for the poor; the difference between economic classes

9. Houses and beds, a place to live for all

10. Interdependence in a global world