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About this quote

What does it mean?
Math problems constantly evolve; we must find new ones to stay interested.
In plain terms
We always need new math problems to keep us focused.
What can you take from it?
Interest fades; new challenges renew it.

Where it applies

  • research career
  • problem selection
  • learning plans

Putting it to work

  • seek new areas
  • rotate topics
  • stay curious

Questions to consider

  • How do you stay interested long term?
  • What new problems excite you?

Another view

Finding new problems can be harder than solving old ones.

More from Andrew Wiles

  1. I hope that seeing the excitement of solving this problem will make young mathematicians realize that there are lots and lots of other problems in mathematics …

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  2. Certainly one thing that I've learned is that it is important to pick a problem based on how much you care about it.

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  3. Fermat was my childhood passion.

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