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About this quote

What does it mean?
A specific problem found in a library book sparked a lifelong pursuit for the author.
In plain terms
He found Fermat's Last Theorem in a library and got hooked.
What can you take from it?
Discoveries in libraries can change your life.

Where it applies

  • library visits
  • reading
  • finding a career

Putting it to work

  • visit libraries
  • browse randomly
  • follow your curiosity

Questions to consider

  • Where did you find your biggest inspiration?
  • What book changed your perspective?

Another view

Library browsing is random and does not always lead to big discoveries.

More from Andrew Wiles

  1. I loved doing problems in school. I'd take them home and make up new ones of my own.

    Permalink to quote #3
  2. Here was a problem, that I, a ten year old, could understand and I knew from that moment that I would never let it go. I had to solve it.

    Permalink to quote #5
  3. I loved doing problems in school.

    Permalink to quote #2

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