A linguist would be shocked to learn that if a set is not closed this does not mean that it is open, or again that "E is dense in E" does not mean the same thing as "E is dense in itself". John Edensor Littlewood More Quotes by John Edensor Littlewood More Quotes From John Edensor Littlewood I recall once saying that when I had given the same lecture several times I couldn't help feeling that they really ought to know it by now. John Edensor Littlewood lectures math feelings It is possible for a mathematician to be "too strong" for a given occasion. He forces through, where another might be driven to a different, and possible more fruitful, approach. (So a rock climber might force a dreadful crack, instead of finding a subtle and delicate route.) John Edensor Littlewood rocks different strong The first lecture of each new year renews for most people a light stage fright. John Edensor Littlewood new-year light years We come finally, however, to the relation of the ideal theory to real world, or "real" probability. If he is consistent a man of the mathematical school washes his hands of applications. To someone who wants them he would say that the ideal system runs parallel to the usual theory: "If this is what you want, try it: it is not my business to justify application of the system; that can only be done by philosophizing; I am a mathematician". In practice he is apt to say: "try this; if it works that will justify it". John Edensor Littlewood real running school
