I am very glad there are quite a number of people born…
“I am very glad there are quite a number of people born with a gift and a liking for all of this; like great chessplayers who play sixteen games at once blindfold and die quite soon of epilepsy. Serve them right! I hope the Mathematicians, however, are well rewarded. I promise never to blackleg their profession nor take the bread out of their mouths.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He praises gifted individuals, especially mathematicians, urging society to value and support them, while rejecting exploitation.
In simple terms: Support talented mathematicians and protect their livelihood.
Value and protect gifted minds.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic funding
- career mentorship
- public policy
- research grants
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies ensure fair rewards for intellectual work?
- What structures protect scholars from exploitation?
Balancing recognition with broader societal needs can be challenging.