A mathematician is not a man who can readily manipulate figures; often he cannot. He is not even a man who can readily perform the transformation of equations by the use of calculus. He is primarily an individual who is skilled in the use of symbolic logic on a high plane, and especially he is a man of intuitive judgment in the choice of the manipulative processes he employs.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A mathematician is not defined by manipulating figures or calculus. They are skilled in symbolic logic and have intuitive judgment in choosing processes.
- In plain terms
- Mathematicians use logic and judgment, not just number crunching.
- What can you take from it?
- Math is about logic and intuition, not just calculations.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is math really?
- How do you solve problems?
Another view
Calculation skills are still foundational.
More from Vannevar Bush
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