--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: You must be the arithmetic man; you add…" description: "\"You must be the arithmetic man; you add trouble, subtract pleasure, divide attention, and multiply ignorance.\" — Anonymous" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/007/anonymous-1_arithmetic_you-must-be-the-arithmetic-man-you-add-t_380697.jpg" --- # You must be the arithmetic man; you add trouble, subtract… ![“You must be the arithmetic man; you add trouble, subtract pleasure, divide attention, and multiply ignorance.” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/007/anonymous-1_arithmetic_you-must-be-the-arithmetic-man-you-add-t_380697.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/007/anonymous-1_arithmetic_you-must-be-the-arithmetic-man-you-add-t_380697.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/007/anonymous-1_arithmetic_you-must-be-the-arithmetic-man-you-add-t_380697.jpg) > “You must be the arithmetic man; you add trouble, subtract pleasure, divide attention, and multiply ignorance.” [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote uses arithmetic metaphors to describe how a person can create problems, reduce joy, split focus, and increase ignorance through their actions. **In simple terms:** Describes destructive behavior using math terms. Key Takeaway Avoid adding negativity and seek balance. Themes relationships communication self-awareness Mood reflective critical Type advice observational When to use this quote - personal relationships - conflict resolution - self-improvement Key Concepts addiction emotional intelligence psychology Questions to Reflect On - How do your actions affect others? - What can you change to reduce negativity? A Different Perspective It oversimplifies complex emotions with math analogies. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Add Trouble](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/add-trouble-3452487/) [Arithmetic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/arithmetic/) [Arithmetic Man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/arithmetic-man-3452484/) [Attention Multiply](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attention-multiply-3452486/) [Ignorance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ignorance/) [Mathematics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mathematics/) [Multiply Ignorance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/multiply-ignorance-3452485/) [Sarcasm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sarcasm/) [Trouble](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trouble/) ## Related quotes > [Arithmetic! Algebra! Geometry! Grandiose trinity! Luminous triangle! Whoever has not known you is without sense!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/arithmetic-algebra-geometry-grandiose-trinity-luminous-triangle/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [In the arithmetic of love, 1+1= Everything & 2-1=Nothing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/in-the-arithmetic-of-love-1-1-everything-2-1-nothing/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Arithmetic is being able to count up to twenty without taking off your shoes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/arithmetic-is-being-able-to-count-up-to-twenty-without-taking-off/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The numbers may be said to rule the whole world of quantity, and the four rules of arithmetic may be regarded as the complete…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-numbers-may-be-said-to-rule-the-whole-world-of-quantity-and-the/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [SARCASM the body's natural defense against stupidity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/sarcasm-the-body-s-natural-defense-against-stupidity/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Twitter is a great excuse to talk to your self without looking stupid.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/twitter-is-a-great-excuse-to-talk-to-your-self-without-looking-stupid/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [A police officer came up to me yesterday and said, 'Where were you between four and six?' I said, 'Kindergarten'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/a-police-officer-came-up-to-me-yesterday-and-said-where-were-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [No, that dress doesn't make you seem fat...but your dependence on others' opinions definitely makes you seem shallow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/no-that-dress-doesn-t-make-you-seem-fat-but-your-dependence-on-others/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Final Destination 5...well someone doesn't understand the meaning of 'Final'.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/final-destination-5-well-someone-doesn-t-understand-the-meaning-of/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Anyone who starts a sentence With all due respect...is about to insult you!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/anyone-who-starts-a-sentence-with-all-due-respect-is-about-to-insult/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Creative semantics is the key to contemporary government; it consists of talking in strange tongues lest the public learn the inevitable inconveniently early.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/creative-semantics-is-the-key-to-contemporary-government-it-consists/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I think whoever started the 'Good morning' thing was just being sarcastic.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-think-whoever-started-the-good-morning-thing-was-just-being/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Has it ever happened to you](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/has-it-ever-happened-to-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Sarcasm and Coffee. The perfect start to a new day!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/sarcasm-and-coffee-the-perfect-start-to-a-new-day/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Sorry, honey. Sarcasm falls from my mouth as easily as stupidity falls from yours...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/sorry-honey-sarcasm-falls-from-my-mouth-as-easily-as-stupidity-falls/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More by Anonymous > [And a tear rolled down her cheek, as she said goodbye; because she's walking away, and she's never looking back](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/and-a-tear-rolled-down-her-cheek-as-she-said-goodbye-because-she-s/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Life is full of change. That's how we learn and grow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/life-is-full-of-change-that-s-how-we-learn-and-grow/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [You'll seldom experience regret for anything that you've done. It is what you haven't done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-ll-seldom-experience-regret-for-anything-that-you-ve-done-it-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Scrabble - The game is available in Braille. That’s a nice fact. This makes me feel better about humanity for some reason. I can’t…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/scrabble-the-game-is-available-in-braille-that-s-a-nice-fact-this/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Everyone needs someone to love, and I choose you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/everyone-needs-someone-to-love-and-i-choose-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“THIS tale of my sore-troubled life I write,    To thank the God of nature, who conveyed    My soul to me, and with such care…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/this-tale-of-my-sore-troubled-life-i-write-to-thank-the-god-of-nature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Put on my J's and dance the whole night away Im naughty by nature like Im hip-hop hooray With my hands in the sky,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/put-on-my-j-s-and-dance-the-whole-night-away-im-naughty-by-nature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Me.. I have been through a lot, but I still manage to have a smile on my face. Im not worried about the past…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/me-i-have-been-through-a-lot-but-i-still-manage-to-have-a-smile-on-my/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Distance is a test of love. many will fail for those who can't withstand it, but for those who can, theres only one answer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/distance-is-a-test-of-love-many-will-fail-for-those-who-can-t/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Im sorry I ever tried...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/im-sorry-i-ever-tried/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Being betrayed by the one you love is the worst feeling in the world...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/being-betrayed-by-the-one-you-love-is-the-worst-feeling-in-the-world/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Let children support their parents or be imprisoned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/let-children-support-their-parents-or-be-imprisoned/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The only person I've ever purposely caused pain here is myself...By simply sharing, caring too much.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-only-person-i-ve-ever-purposely-caused-pain-here-is-myself-by/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Start a business, not a startup”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/start-a-business-not-a-startup/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The truth is, of course, that the curtness of the Ten Commandments is an evidence, not of the gloom and narrowness of a religion,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-truth-is-of-course-that-the-curtness-of-the-ten-commandments-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) [Explore all 162,899 Anonymous quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More Arithmetic quotes > [To divide one's life by years is of course to tumble into a trap set by our own arithmetic. The calendar consents to carry…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/clifton-fadiman/to-divide-one-s-life-by-years-is-of-course-to-tumble-into-a-trap-set/) [Clifton Fadiman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/clifton-fadiman/) > [Arithmetic is numbers you squeeze from your head to your hand to your pencil to your paper till you get the answer.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carl-sandburg/arithmetic-is-numbers-you-squeeze-from-your-head-to-your-hand-to-your/) [Carl Sandburg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carl-sandburg/) > [I am pretty good at arithmetic, and I know that the fight in front of us is a very, very steep fight. But we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeff-merkley/i-am-pretty-good-at-arithmetic-and-i-know-that-the-fight-in-front-of/) [Jeff Merkley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeff-merkley/) > [Arithmetic has began to totter.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gottlob-frege/arithmetic-has-began-to-totter/) [Gottlob Frege](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gottlob-frege/) > [Economics is half psychology and half Grade Three arithmetic, and the U.S. does not now have either half right.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/conrad-black/economics-is-half-psychology-and-half-grade-three-arithmetic-and-the/) [Conrad Black](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/conrad-black/) > [The cumulative weight of all mortal sins--past, present, and future--pressed upon that perfect, sinless, and sensitive Soul! All our infirmities and sicknesses were somehow,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/the-cumulative-weight-of-all-mortal-sins-past-present-and-future/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [Geometry, like arithmetic, requires for its logical development only a small number of simple, fundamental principles. These fundamental principles are called the axioms of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-hilbert/geometry-like-arithmetic-requires-for-its-logical-development-only-a/) [David Hilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-hilbert/) > [When I was at school, I was terrible at algebra and arithmetic, but I was always the best at English and literature. And acting,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joan-collins/when-i-was-at-school-i-was-terrible-at-algebra-and-arithmetic-but-i/) [Joan Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joan-collins/) > [“A goal of this book has been to tear down in some small part these barriers to understanding by attempting to shatter the “divinity…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/g-arnell-williams/a-goal-of-this-book-has-been-to-tear-down-in-some-small-part-these/) [G. Arnell Williams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/g-arnell-williams/) > [Man is a rational animal—so at least I have been told. … Aristotle, so far as I know, was the first man to proclaim…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bertrand-russell/man-is-a-rational-animal-so-at-least-i-have-been-told-aristotle-so/) [Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bertrand-russell/) > [The mortal enemies of Social Security and Medicare are those who, in contempt of the plain arithmetic, continue to mislead Americans that we should…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mitch-daniels/the-mortal-enemies-of-social-security-and-medicare-are-those-who-in/) [Mitch Daniels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mitch-daniels/) > [Arithmetic arithmetock Turn the hands back on the clock How does the ocean rock the boat? How did the razor find my throat? The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-waits/arithmetic-arithmetock-turn-the-hands-back-on-the-clock-how-does-the/) [Tom Waits](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-waits/) > [Long before I learned to do a sum in arithmetic or describe the shape of the earth, Miss Sullivan had taught me to find…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/helen-keller/long-before-i-learned-to-do-a-sum-in-arithmetic-or-describe-the-shape/) [Helen Keller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/helen-keller/) > [Arithmetic starts with the integers and proceeds by successively enlarging the number system by rational and negative numbers, irrational numbers, etc... But the next…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-robinson/arithmetic-starts-with-the-integers-and-proceeds-by-successively/) [Abraham Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-robinson/) > [The loony legacy of money was that the arithmetic by which things were measured had become more valuable than the things themselves.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-robbins/the-loony-legacy-of-money-was-that-the-arithmetic-by-which-things/) [Tom Robbins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-robbins/) [Browse all 233 Arithmetic quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/arithmetic/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "You must be the arithmetic man; you add trouble, subtract pleasure, divide attention, and multiply ignorance.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Anonymous" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-must-be-the-arithmetic-man-you-add-trouble-subtract-pleasure/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Arithmetic" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-must-be-the-arithmetic-man-you-add-trouble-subtract-pleasure/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/007/anonymous-1_arithmetic_you-must-be-the-arithmetic-man-you-add-t_380697.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/007/anonymous-1_arithmetic_you-must-be-the-arithmetic-man-you-add-t_380697.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/007/anonymous-1_arithmetic_you-must-be-the-arithmetic-man-you-add-t_380697.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“You must be the arithmetic man; you add trouble, subtract pleasure, divide attention, and multiply ignorance.” — Anonymous", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Anonymous", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "You must be the arithmetic man;...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-must-be-the-arithmetic-man-you-add-trouble-subtract-pleasure/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-must-be-the-arithmetic-man-you-add-trouble-subtract-pleasure/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```