No one fully understands spinors. Their algebra is formally understood but their general significance is mysterious. In some sense they describe the 'square root' of geometry and, just as understanding the square root of -1 took centuries, the same might… — Michael Atiyah Copy Share Image
If you attack a mathematical problem directly, very often you come to a dead end, nothing you do seems to work and you feel that if only you could peer round the corner there might be an easy solution. There… — Michael Atiyah Copy Share Image
No one fully understands spinors. Their algebra is formally understood but their general significance is mysterious. In some sense they describe the 'square root'… — Michael Atiyah Copy Share Image
If theory is the role of the architect, then such beautiful proofs are the role of the craftsman. Of course, as with the great… — Michael Atiyah Copy Share Image
The aim of mathematics is to explain as much as possible in simple terms. — Michael Atiyah Copy Share Image
In the broad light of day mathematicians check their equations and their proofs, leaving no stone unturned in their search for rigour. But, at… — Michael Atiyah Copy Share Image
Everything useful in mathematics has been devised for a purpose. Even if you don't know it, the guy who did it first, he knew… — Michael Atiyah Copy Share Image
I think it is said that Gauss had ten different proofs for the law of quadratic reciprocity. Any good theorem should have several proofs,… — Michael Atiyah Copy Share Image
I'm not the sort of person who does my mathematics writing on paper. I do that at the last stage of the game. I… — Michael Atiyah Copy Share Image
I dislike frontiers, political or intellectual, and I find that ignoring them is an essential catalyst for creative thought. Ideas should flow without hindrance… — Michael Atiyah Copy Share Image
It is hard to communicate understanding because that is something you get by living with a problem for a long time. You study it,… — Michael Atiyah Copy Share Image
