It appears to me that if one wants to make progress in mathematics, one should study the masters and not the pupils.
Interpretation
To advance in mathematics, it's more beneficial to learn from the greats than from those still learning.
Niels Henrik Abel emphasizes the importance of studying the works and methods of accomplished mathematicians rather than those of learners or novices. By focusing on the masters, one gains insight into advanced concepts and techniques that have been proven valuable, thus facilitating a deeper understanding and accelerated progress in the field of mathematics.
In practice
During a math seminar, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of studying significant mathematicians.
Until now the theory of infinite series in general has been very badly grounded. One applies all the operations to infinite series as if they were finite; but is that permissible? I think not. Where is it demonstrated that one obtains the differential of an infinite series by taking the differential of each term? Nothing is easier than to give instances where this is not so.
With the exception of the geometrical series, there does not exist in all of mathematics a single infinite series the sum of which has been rigorously determined. In other words, the things which are the most important in mathematics are also those which have the least foundation.
I don't believe there are 'struggling' readers, 'advanced' readers, or 'non' readers.
Too many young musicians today want to win polls before they learn their instruments.
Times have changed, and science has made great progress, and so has our work; but our principles have only been confirmed, and along with them our conviction that mankind can hope for a solution to its problems, among which the most urgent are those of peace and unity, only by turning its attention and energies to the discovery of the child and to the development of the great potentialities of the human personality in the course of its formation.
Most of the people who will walk after me will be children, so make the beat keep time with short steps.
One of the marks of a great teacher lies not only in an ability to impart knowledge but also in knowing when to encourage a student to go off on his own.
Our Creator expects His children everywhere to educate themselves.
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