We must admit with humility that, while number is purely a product of our minds, space has a reality outside our minds, so that we cannot completely prescribe its properties a priori.
Carl Friedrich GaussRead
Theory attracts practice as the magnet attracts iron.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Theoretical knowledge draws practical application, similar to how a magnet draws metal.
In this quote, Gauss expresses the idea that theoretical concepts have a compelling power to inspire and guide practical actions, just as a magnet naturally attracts iron. It highlights the intrinsic relationship between theory and practice, suggesting that well-founded theories can lead to tangible results and advancements in various fields, particularly in science and mathematics.
Themes
TheoryPracticeKnowledgeMagnetScience
In practice
Example use cases
A professor might use this quote to emphasize the importance of applying theoretical knowledge in research.
More from Carl Friedrich Gauss
All quotes βI protest against the use of infinite magnitude ..., which is never permissible in mathematics.
Carl Friedrich GaussRead
Mathematics is the queen of sciences and number theory is the queen of mathematics. She often condescends to render service to astronomy and other natural sciences, but in all relations she is entitled to the first rank.
Carl Friedrich GaussRead
To praise it would amount to praising myself. For the entire content of the work... coincides almost exactly with my own meditations which have occupied my mind for the past thirty or thirty-five years.
Carl Friedrich GaussRead
The problem of distinguishing prime numbers from composite numbers and of resolving the latter into their prime factors is known to be one of the most important and useful in arithmetic.
Carl Friedrich GaussRead
Life stands before me like an eternal spring with new and brilliant clothes.
Carl Friedrich GaussRead
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