Cracking the Cube

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A journalist and aspiring speedcuber dives into the world of speedsolving the Rubik’s Cube, exploring its rise to iconic status and the lessons it offers. Invented by Hungarian professor Ernő Rubik in the 1970s, the Cube started as a wooden puzzle without a known solution and has since become a global phenomenon, symbolizing intellectual prowess and captivating millions with its 43.2 quintillion possible permutations. In this journey, the author participates in speedcubing competitions, from the World Championship to local events, and interviews key figures in the Cube’s history. His quest leads him to Budapest to meet the reclusive Rubik, who continues to innovate in his seventies. As Scheffler immerses himself in the competitive scene, he aims to solve the Cube in under twenty seconds—a benchmark known as “sub-20,” akin to the four-minute mile in running. This pursuit is not merely about mastering algorithms; it’s about personal growth and self-discovery, guided by insights from diverse mentors, including young prodigies and engineering professors. Through this exploration, he learns that the journey of solving the Cube parallels the journey of solving oneself.