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About this quote

What does it mean?
Mathematicians often struggle intensely to provide absolute proof for their theories.
In plain terms
Mathematicians torture themselves trying to prove things.
What can you take from it?
Proof is a high standard in mathematics.

Where it applies

  • academic research
  • theoretical math

Putting it to work

  • understanding math culture

Questions to consider

  • Why is proof so hard?
  • Is suffering necessary for discovery?

Another view

The metaphor may overstate the suffering involved in math.

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