What is the proper justification of a mathematician’s…
““What is the proper justification of a mathematician’s life? My answers will be, for the most part, such as are expected from a mathematician: I think that it is worthwhile, that there is ample justification. But I should say at once that my defense of mathematics will be a defense of myself, and that my apology is bound to be to some extent egotistical. I should not think it worth while to apologize for my subject if I regarded myself as one of its failures. Some egotism of this sort is inevitable, and I do not feel that it really needs justification. Good work is no done by "humble" men. It is one of the first duties of a professor, for example, in any subject, to exaggerate a little both the importance of his subject and his own importance in it. A man who is always asking "Is what I do worth while?" and "Am I the right person to do it?" will always be ineffective himself and a discouragement to others. He must shut his eyes a little and think a little more of his subject and himself than they deserve. This is not too difficult: it is harder not to make his subject and himself ridiculous by shutting his eyes too tightly.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Mathematicians should defend their work and themselves, acknowledging egotism as inevitable, and avoid excessive self‑doubt that hinders progress.
In simple terms: Mathematicians must be confident and accept some ego.
Key Takeaway
Embrace confidence, but balance it with humility.
Themes
mathematics
ego
confidence
self‑esteem
teaching
Mood
inspirational
critical
Type
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic lectures
- faculty mentorship
- research presentations
- career development
Key Concepts
defense of discipline
self‑justification
professional identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does ego influence scientific work?
- When is confidence counterproductive?
A Different Perspective
Overconfidence may lead to arrogance or neglect of critique.