God has a Book where he maintains the best proofs of all mathematical theorems, proofs that are elegant and perfect... You don't have to believe in God, but you should believe in the Book.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Erdos believed in a perfect source of mathematical truth, often called 'the Book'. He suggests even without religious belief, one should respect the elegance of mathematical proofs.
- In plain terms
- There is a perfect standard for math proofs that we should admire.
- What can you take from it?
- Seek elegance and perfection in your work.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes a proof elegant?
- Do you seek perfection in your work?
Another view
Not everyone agrees that a single perfect source exists for all truths.
More from Paul Erdos
This one's from the Book!
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