Mathematics is the cheapest science. Unlike physics or chemistry, it does not require any expensive equipment. All one needs for mathematics is a pencil and paper.
Interpretation
Mathematics is an accessible science that requires minimal resources to practice.
This quote by George Polya emphasizes that mathematics is a unique field of study that can be pursued without the need for costly tools or labs, unlike other sciences such as physics or chemistry. It highlights the simplicity and accessibility of mathematics, suggesting that anyone can engage with it using just basic materials like a pencil and paper, thereby democratizing the knowledge and exploration of this essential discipline.
In practice
In a lecture on the importance of education, this quote can be used to emphasize the accessibility of mathematics.
Pedantry and mastery are opposite attitudes toward rules. To apply a rule to the letter, rigidly, unquestioningly, in cases where it fits and in cases where it does not fit, is pedantry. [...] To apply a rule with natural ease, with judgment, noticing the cases where it fits, and without ever letting the words of the rule obscure the purpose of the action or the opportunities of the situation, is mastery.
If you wish to learn swimming you have to go into the water and if you wish to become a problem solver you have to solve problems.
To teach effectively a teacher must develop a feeling for his subject; he cannot make his students sense its vitality if he does not sense it himself. He cannot share his enthusiasm when he has no enthusiasm to share. How he makes his point may be as important as the point he makes; he must personally feel it to be important.
Mathematics is not a spectator sport!
Mathematics is being lazy. Mathematics is letting the principles do the work for you so that you do not have to do the work for yourself
In order to translate a sentence from English into French two things are necessary. First, we must understand thoroughly the English sentence. Second, we must be familiar with the forms of expression peculiar to the French language. The situation is very similar when we attempt to express in mathematical symbols a condition proposed in words. First, we must understand thoroughly the condition. Second, we must be familiar with the forms of mathematical expression.
Long before I wrote stories, I listened for stories. Listening for them is something more acute than listening to them. I suppose itβs an early form of participation in what goes on. Listening children know stories are there. When their elders sit and begin, children are just waiting and hoping for one to come out, like a mouse from its hole.
I just think that giving a child a chance and sharing what you have with a child is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, as well as a child.
As citizens, I'm asking you not to leave any child behind. I'm asking you not to be color blind, but to be color brave, so that every child knows that their future matters and their dreams are possible.
Each book, for me, has been an adventure, a period of time dedicated to study, to document certain facts, to traveling, and also to fantasize and to invent.
A book may be very amusing with numerous errors, or it may be very dull without a single absurdity.
Actually if a writer needs a dictionary he should not write. He should have read the dictionary at least three times from beginning to end and then have loaned it to someone who needs it. There are only certain words which are valid and similes (bring me my dictionary) are like defective ammunition (the lowest thing I can think of at this time).
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