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Gian-Carlo Rota Quotes - Page 2

All Quotes Giving Mathematics Science
The apex of mathematical achievement occurs when two or more fields which were thought to be entirely unrelated turn out to be closely intertwined. Mathematicians have never decided whether they should feel excited or

The apex of mathematical achievement occurs when two or more fields which were thought to be entirely unrelated turn out to be closely intertwined. Mathematicians have never decided whether they should feel excited or upset by such events.

Gian-Carlo Rota
Science, Two, Achievement
Gian-Carlo Rota (2009). “Indiscrete Thoughts”, p.214, Springer Science & Business Media

[In mathematics] There are two kinds of mistakes. There are fatal mistakes that destroy a theory, but there are also contingent ones, which are useful in testing the stability of a theory.

Gian-Carlo Rota
Mistake, Science, Two

The advice we give others is the advice that we ourselves need.

Gian-Carlo Rota
Giving, Advice, Needs
Gian-Carlo Rota (2008). “Indiscrete Thoughts”, p.196, Springer Science & Business Media

Running overtime is the one unforgivable error a lecturer can make. After fifty minutes (one microcentury as von Neumann used to say) everybody's attention will turn elsewhere.

Gian-Carlo Rota
Running, Science, Errors
Gian-Carlo Rota (2008). “Indiscrete Thoughts”, p.197, Springer Science & Business Media

Very little mathematics has direct applications - though fortunately most of it has plenty of indirect ones.

Gian-Carlo Rota
Littles, Mathematics, Indirect
Gian-Carlo Rota (2009). “Indiscrete Thoughts”, p.213, Springer Science & Business Media

Stan Ulam was lazy, ... He talked too much ... He was self-centered ... . He had an overpowering personality.

Gian-Carlo Rota
Science, Self, Personality

Mathematicians - for what they do - are really poorly rewarded. And it's a very competitive field, almost as bad as being a concert pianist.

Gian-Carlo Rota
Fields, Concerts, Mathematician

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