Gian-Carlo Rota Quotes about Mathematics

If we have no idea why a statement is true, we can still prove it by induction.

If we have no idea why a statement is true, we can still prove it by induction.

Gian-Carlo Rota

Ideas, Mathematics, Prove It

Nature imitates mathematics.

Gian-Carlo Rota

Mathematics

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

There is something in statistics that makes it very similar to astrology.

Gian-Carlo Rota

Astrology, Statistics, Mathematics

Making mathematics accessible to the educated layman, while keeping high scientific standards, has always been considered a treacherous navigation between the Scylla of professional contempt and the Charybdis of public misunderstanding.

Gian-Carlo Rota

Scylla, Navigation, Mathematics

Mark Kac, Gian-Carlo Rota, Jacob T. Schwartz (2009). “Discrete Thoughts: Essays on Mathematics, Science and Philosophy”, p.155, Springer Science & Business Media

The pendulum of mathematics swings back and forth towards abstraction and away from it with a timing that remains to be estimated.

Gian-Carlo Rota

Swings, Timing, Mathematics

Gian-Carlo Rota (2009). “Indiscrete Thoughts”, p.30, Springer Science & Business Media

Theorems are not to mathematics what successful courses are to a meal.

Gian-Carlo Rota

Successful, Meals, Mathematics

Mark Kac, Gian-Carlo Rota, Jacob T. Schwartz (2008). “Discrete Thoughts: Essays on Mathematics, Science and Philosophy”, p.155, Springer Science & Business Media

Our faith in Mathematics is not likely to wane if we openly acknowledge that the personalities of even the greatest mathematicians may be as flawed as those of anyone else.

Gian-Carlo Rota

Personality, May, Mathematics

Gian-Carlo Rota (2008). “Indiscrete Thoughts”, p.3, Springer Science & Business Media