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Mark Kac Quotes

A proof is that which convinces a reasonable man; a rigorous proof is that which convinces an unreasonable man.

A proof is that which convinces a reasonable man; a rigorous proof is that which convinces an unreasonable man.

Mark Kac
Men, Proof, Unreasonable

There are surely worse things than being wrong, and being dull and pedantic are surely among them.

Mark Kac
Dull, Pedantic, Being Wrong
Mark Kac, Gian-Carlo Rota, Jacob T. Schwartz (2009). “Discrete Thoughts: Essays on Mathematics, Science and Philosophy”, p.16, Springer Science & Business Media

Mathematics is not a separate entity. It owes a great deal of its power and its beauty to other disciplines.

Mark Kac
Discipline, Mathematics, Entity

To exist (in mathematics), said Henri Poincaré, is to be free from contradiction. But mere existence does not guarantee survival. To survive in mathematics requires a kind of vitality that cannot be described in purely logical terms.

Mark Kac
Survival, Vitality, Doe
Mark Kac, Stanislaw M. Ulam (1968). “Mathematics and Logic”, p.8, Courier Corporation

... there are those who believe that mathematics can sustain itself and grow without any further contact with anything outside itself, and those who believe that nature is still and always will be one of the main (if not the main) sources of mathematical inspiration. The first group is identified as "pure mathematicians" (though "purist" would be more adequate) while the second is, with equal inadequacy, referred to as "applied".

Mark Kac
Believe, Inspiration, Groups

In recent years we have become much more preoccupied with streamlining and organizing our subject than with maintaining its overall vitality. If we are not careful, a great adventure of the mind will become yet another profession.

Mark Kac
Adventure, Years, Mind
Mark Kac, Gian-Carlo Rota, Jacob T. Schwartz (2009). “Discrete Thoughts: Essays on Mathematics, Science and Philosophy”, p.11, Springer Science & Business Media

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