The first test of potential in mathematics is whether you can get anything out of geometry. 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 lecturesmathfeelings 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 rocksdifferentstrong The first lecture of each new year renews for most people a light stage fright. John Edensor Littlewood new-yearlightyears 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 realrunningschool
