Was "zero stroke"--a supposed mental malady in Weimar Germany involving the desire to write endless rows of zeros induced by hyperinflation--a real thing? | AskHistorians Archive Observer

Was "zero stroke"--a supposed mental malady in Weimar Germany involving the desire to write endless rows of zeros induced by hyperinflation--a real thing?

by envatted_love

Wikipedia says it's "alleged," but does cite a couple English-language articles from 1923. On the other hand, one would imagine that exponential notation would solve any problems associated with "too many zeros."

Adghnm

Yeah, the only online contemporary articles I can find are wry in tone - one talks about how all those goose eggs (the zeros) will soon be making way for the goose step. Could be more ironic commentary than actual reportage. I can't find anything in German. Will keep looking.