Acquaintance Quote by Anonymous
![“De Morgan was explaining to an actuary what was the chance that a certain proportion of some group of people would at the end of a given time be alive; and quoted the actuarial formula, involving p [pi], which, in answer to a question, he explained stood for the ratio of the circumference of a…” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a88/anonymous-1_acquaintance_de-morgan-was-explaining-to-an-actuary-w_411877.jpg)
“De Morgan was explaining to an actuary what was the chance that a certain proportion of some group of people would at the end of a given time be alive; and quoted the actuarial formula, involving p [pi], which, in answer to a question, he explained stood for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. His acquaintance, who had so far listened to the explanation with interest, interrupted him and exclaimed, 'My dear friend, that must be a delusion, what can a circle have to do with the number of people alive at a given time?'”
About This Quote
Source Historical anecdote: De Morgan's conversation with an actuary, 19th century
De Morgan used π (the circle‑to‑diameter ratio) as a symbol for a probability parameter, confusing a lay listener who expected a literal circle connection
In simple terms: He used a mathematical constant as a placeholder for a probability, not a literal circle
Key Takeaway
Recognize symbols may be abstract, not literal
Themes
mathematics
probability
communication
Mood
confused
curious
Type
educational
anecdotal
When to use this quote
- actuarial calculations
- teaching
- public speaking
- technical discussions
Key Concepts
symbolism
abstraction
misinterpretation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you clarify abstract symbols in everyday talk?
- What strategies help bridge technical and lay language?
A Different Perspective
Listeners may misinterpret technical symbols without context
![“[On an anarchist acquaintance:] Everything in appearance the most alarmist aunt could wish.” quote by Sylvia Townsend Warner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ae9/sylvia-townsend-warner-7063_acquaintance_on-an-anarchist-acquaintance-everything_72515.jpg)
![“[Books] will visit you at your convenience, whether you are lonesome or not, on rainy days or fair. They propose themselves as either transient acquaintances or permanent friends. They will stay as long as you like, departing or returning as you wish. Their friendship entails no obligation. Best…” quote by Clifton Fadiman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/08b/clifton-fadiman-11053_acquaintance_books-will-visit-you-at-your-convenience_75546.jpg)
