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Quote by Gian-Carlo Rota

“Very little mathematics has direct applications - though fortunately most of it has plenty of indirect ones.”

Work

Indiscrete Thoughts is a compilation of essays that delve into a wide array of philosophical and personal reflections. The author examines complex ideas and experiences, offering readers a nuanced exploration of the human condition and the nature of knowledge. more

Author

Gian-Carlo Rota

Gian-Carlo Rota was an Italian-American mathematician renowned for his contributions to combinatorics, algebraic geometry, and mathematical analysis. He served as a professor at MIT and Harvard University, and his research had a substantial impact on the advancement of these mathematical disciplines. more

“In mathematical science, more than in all others, it happens that truths which are at one period the most abstract, and apparently the most remote from all useful application, become in the next age the bases of profound physical inquiries, and in the succeeding one, perhaps, by proper simplification and reduction to tables, furnish their ready and daily aid to the artist and the sailor.”

Happens Age Artist Next Ready Periods Succeed Bases Tables Profound Aids Mathematical Abstract Application Inquiry Sailor Reduction Simplification

Book:Reflections on the decline of science in England and on some of its causes: with a new appendix of correspondence by Charles Babbage & Peter M. Roget from the Philosophical magazine

Source: Reflections on the decline of science in England and on some of its causes: with a new appendix of correspondence by Charles Babbage & Peter M. Roget from the Philosophical magazine

“The lack of real contact between mathematics and biology is either a tragedy, a scandal or a challenge, it is hard to decide which.”

Real Hard Challenges Tragedy Mathematics Contact Biology Scandal

Book:Discrete Thoughts: Essays on Mathematics, Science and Philosophy

Source: Discrete Thoughts: Essays on Mathematics, Science and Philosophy

“Mathematics commands all my respect, but I have no use for engines.”

Use Mathematics Command Engines Levers Absent Minded

Book:The Complete Novels of Joseph Conrad - All 20 Works in One Premium Edition: Including Unforgettable Titles like Heart of Darkness, Lord Jim, The Secret Agent, Nostromo, Under Western Eyes and Many More (With Author’s Letters, Memoirs and Critical Essays)

Source: The Complete Novels of Joseph Conrad - All 20 Works in One Premium Edition: Including Unforgettable Titles like Heart of Darkness, Lord Jim, The Secret Agent, Nostromo, Under Western Eyes and Many More (With Author’s Letters, Memoirs and Critical Essays)

“Defined broadly enough, mathematics encompasses everything.”

Enough Mathematics Defined

Author:John Allen Paulos

“I must admit that outside the university, it is difficult to be a pure mathematician. No one in my family understands what I do. My neighbors wonder why I spend all my time in my study scribbling with pencil on a yellow pad of paper instead of going outside to mow the lawn.”

Difficult Wonder Study Pure Paper My Family University Neighbor My Time Yellow Mathematician Pencils Lawns Pads

Author:Isadore Singer

“It's true we pure mathematicians are connected to a different world. But it is a very real world nevertheless.”

World Different Real Pure Connected Real World Nevertheless Mathematician Different Worlds

Author:Isadore Singer

“Mathematicians - for what they do - are really poorly rewarded. And it's a very competitive field, almost as bad as being a concert pianist.”

Fields Concerts Mathematician Pianist

Author:Gian-Carlo Rota