Trust only movement. Life happens at the level of events, not of words. Trust movement.
Alfred AdlerRead
In the company of friends, writers can discuss their books, economists the state of the economy, lawyers their latest cases, and businessmen their latest acquisitions, but mathematicians cannot discuss their mathematics at all. And the more profound their work, the less understandable it is.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Mathematicians often find their work difficult to communicate and understand, even among peers.
Alfred Adler's quote highlights the unique challenges faced by mathematicians when it comes to discussing their work. Unlike other professionals who can easily communicate their ideas and collaborate on topics of mutual interest, mathematicians often delve into complex concepts that can be challenging to articulate, especially as their work becomes more profound. This can lead to a sense of isolation in their intellectual pursuits.
Themes
MathematicsCommunicationUnderstandingComplexityIsolation
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about the challenges of mathematical communication in academia.
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