In a world in which the price of calculation continues to…
“In a world in which the price of calculation continues to decrease rapidly, but the price of theorem proving continues to hold steady or increase, elementary economics indicates that we ought to spend a larger and larger fraction of our time on calculation.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
As computing gets cheaper, more time should be spent on calculations, while theorem proving remains costly, suggesting a shift in resource allocation.
In simple terms: Cheaper computing means more calculation work, less theorem proving.
Key Takeaway
Allocate more effort to computational tasks than formal proofs.
Themes
technology
economics
productivity
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
Type
strategic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- software development
- data analysis
- research planning
Key Concepts
cost‑benefit analysis
automation
theorem proving
Questions to Reflect On
- Should we prioritize speed over certainty?
- How to balance calculation and proof?
A Different Perspective
The balance may overlook the value of rigorous proof.