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About this quote

What does it mean?
He contrasted Einstein's view on the universe with the mysterious patterns found in prime numbers.
In plain terms
Prime numbers behave strangely.
What can you take from it?
Embrace mystery in complex systems.

Where it applies

  • studying number theory
  • data analysis
  • philosophical discussion

Putting it to work

  • explore unknown patterns
  • ask deep questions

Questions to consider

  • What patterns puzzle you?
  • Is mystery valuable in science?

Another view

Some argue prime patterns are not truly mysterious.

More from Paul Erdos

  1. A mathematician is a device for turning coffee into theorems.

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