When you love a problem, its contours, obstacles and resistances are all just part of its character.
Steven StrogatzRead
One of the pleasures of looking at the world through mathematical eyes is that you can see certain patterns that would otherwise be hidden.
Interpretation
Mathematics offers a unique perspective to uncover hidden patterns in the world around us.
The quote by Steven Strogatz highlights the joy and enlightenment that comes from viewing the world through a mathematical lens. It suggests that by applying mathematical principles and thinking, one can reveal intricate and often overlooked patterns in everyday life, leading to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the universe's structure and complexity.
In practice
This quote can be used in a math class to inspire students to appreciate the beauty of mathematics.
When you love a problem, its contours, obstacles and resistances are all just part of its character.
In mathematics, our freedom lies in the questions we ask β and in how we pursue them β but not in the answers awaiting us.
Logic leaves us no choice. In that sense, math always involves both invention and discovery: we invent the concepts but discover their consequences. β¦ in mathematics our freedom lies in the questions we ask β and in how we pursue them β but not in the answers awaiting us.
The world today is made, it is powered by science; and for any man to abdicate an interest in science is to walk with open eyes towards slavery.
The most remarkable discovery ever made by scientists is science itself. The discovery must be compared in importance with the invention of cave-painting and of writing.
Einstein's theory of gravitation replaced Newton's, but apples did not suspend themselves in mid-air, pending the outcome. And humans evolved from apelike ancestors whether they did so by Darwin's proposed mechanism or by some other yet to be discovered.
False facts are highly injurious to the progress of science, for they often endure long; but false views, if supported by some evidence, do little harm, for every one takes a salutary pleasure in proving their falseness.
One of the things that science fiction gets to do is thought experiments about the human condition that would be impractical or unethical to conduct in real life.
It is mistaken to claim that global problems will be solved more quickly if only researchers would abandon their quest to understand the universe and knuckle down to work on an agenda of public or political concerns. These are not 'either/or' options - indeed, there is a positive symbiosis between them.
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