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But that can never be," said Milo, jumping to his feet…

“But that can never be," said Milo, jumping to his feet. "Don't be too sure," said the child patiently, "for one of the nicest things about mathematics, or anything else you might care to learn, is that many of the things which can never be, often are. You see," he went on, "it's very much like…” quote by Norton Juster
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““But that can never be," said Milo, jumping to his feet. "Don't be too sure," said the child patiently, "for one of the nicest things about mathematics, or anything else you might care to learn, is that many of the things which can never be, often are. You see," he went on, "it's very much like your trying to reach Infinity. You know that it's there, but you just don't know where — but just because you can never reach it doesn't mean that it's not worth looking for.””

Norton Juster

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Explains that seemingly impossible problems often become solvable; the pursuit of the unattainable can lead to discovery.

In simple terms: Impossible things may become possible; keep searching.

Key Takeaway

Embrace curiosity and persist in challenging quests.

Themes

education philosophy perseverance creativity

Mood

inspirational thoughtful

Type

motivational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • teaching
  • research
  • personal growth
  • innovation

Key Concepts

infinity mathematical thinking problem solving learning mindset

Questions to Reflect On

  • What "impossible" goal drives you?
  • When does chasing a goal become unproductive?
A Different Perspective

Not all pursuits yield results; effort may be costly without payoff.

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