I am interested in mathematics only as a creative art.
Interpretation
Hardy views mathematics as a form of creative expression rather than just a practical tool.
G. H. Hardy's statement emphasizes the idea that mathematics is not merely a subject for utilitarian purposes, but rather an art form that embodies beauty and creativity. This perspective elevates mathematics to the level of other artistic endeavors, suggesting that understanding and appreciation of mathematical concepts can evoke the same sense of wonder and imaginative thinking that art does.
In practice
During a lecture on the philosophy of mathematics, this quote can be used to emphasize the artistic side of the subject.
A chess problem is genuine mathematics, but it is in some way "trivial" mathematics. However, ingenious and intricate, however original and surprising the moves, there is something essential lacking. Chess problems are unimportant. The best mathematics is serious as well as beautiful-"important" if you like, but the word is very ambiguous, and "serious" expresses what I mean much better.
Mathematics is not a contemplative but a creative subject; no one can draw much consolation from it when he has lost the power or the desire to create; and that is apt to happen to a mathematician rather soon. It is a pity, but in that case he does not matter a great deal anyhow, and it would be silly to bother about him.
Exposition, criticism, appreciation, is work for second-rate minds.
It is hardly possible to maintain seriously that the evil done by science is not altogether outweighed by the good. For example, if ten million lives were lost in every war, the net effect of science would still have been to increase the average length of life.
Real mathematics must be justified as art if it can be justified at all.
If intellectual curiosity, professional pride, and ambition are the dominant incentives to research, then assuredly no one has a fairer chance of gratifying them than a mathematician.
Do you know what I've learned? That although ecstasy is the ability to stand outside yourself, dance is a way of rising up into space, of discovering new dimensions while still remaining in touch with your body. When you dance, the spiritual world and the real world manage to coexist quite happily. I think classical ballet dancers dance on pointe because they're simultaneously touching the earth and reaching up to the skies.
The thing that was important to me about Hemingway at the time was that Hemingway taught me that you could be a writer and get away with it.
As far as I am concerned the paint is the person. I want it to work for me just as flesh does
When I was doing ensemble theater and comedy work, I felt I had some talents. But when I started doing my shows in Berkeley and found that I could be funny on my own, I was shocked.
The small wad of burning paper drew down to a wisp of flame and then died out leaving a faint pattern for just a moment in the incandescence like the shape of a flower, a molten rose. Then all was dark again.
What's great about being a character actor is you know that you can survive forever. It's not about the gloss of your eyebrows.
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