Do not imagine that mathematics is hard and crabbed, and repulsive to common sense. It is merely the etherealization of common sense.
Lord KelvinRead
Simplification of modes of proof is not merely an indication of advance in our knowledge of a subject, but is also the surest guarantee of readiness for farther progress.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Simplifying proofs shows knowledge growth and readiness for future advancements.
Lord Kelvin's quote emphasizes that as we deepen our understanding of a subject, simplifying the methods of proof not only reflects our advanced knowledge but also indicates that we are prepared to make further progress in that area. This highlights the interplay between clarity in thought and the ability to push the boundaries of knowledge.
Themes
SimplificationKnowledgeProgressProofScience
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about scientific methods, one could use this quote to illustrate the importance of clarity in research.
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Let nobody be afraid of true freedom of thought. Let us be free in thought and criticism; but, with freedom, we are bound to come to the conclusion that science is not antagonistic to religion, but a help to it.
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I need scarcely say that the beginning and maintenance of life on earth is absolutely and infinitely beyond the range of all sound speculation in dynamical science. The only contribution of dynamics to theoretical biology is absolute negation of automatic commencement or automatic maintenance of life.
Lord KelvinRead
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