--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: An old French mathematician said: \"A…" description: "\"An old French mathematician said: \"A mathematical theory is not to be considered complete until you have made it so clear that you can explain it to th..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/877/david-hilbert-12585_clear_an-old-french-mathematician-said-a-mathe_3187013.jpg" --- # An old French mathematician said: "A mathematical theory… ![“An old French mathematician said: "A mathematical theory is not to be considered complete until you have made it so clear that you can explain it to the first man whom you meet on the street." This clearness and ease of comprehension, here insisted on for a mathematical theory, I should still more…” quote by David Hilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/877/david-hilbert-12585_clear_an-old-french-mathematician-said-a-mathe_3187013.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/877/david-hilbert-12585_clear_an-old-french-mathematician-said-a-mathe_3187013.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/877/david-hilbert-12585_clear_an-old-french-mathematician-said-a-mathe_3187013.jpg) > “An old French mathematician said: "A mathematical theory is not to be considered complete until you have made it so clear that you can explain it to the first man whom you meet on the street." This clearness and ease of comprehension, here insisted on for a mathematical theory, I should still more demand for a mathematical problem if it is to be perfect; for what is clear and easily comprehended attracts, the complicated repels us.” [David Hilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-hilbert/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A theory is complete only when it can be explained simply to anyone, making clarity essential for true understanding. **In simple terms:** Clear explanations show true understanding. Key Takeaway Strive for simplicity in communication. Themes clarity education accessibility mathematics Mood thoughtful instructive Type educational philosophical When to use this quote - teaching - public talks - writing textbooks - popular science Key Concepts pedagogy philosophy of science communication Questions to Reflect On - How can you simplify without losing depth? - Who benefits most from clear explanations? A Different Perspective Simplicity may oversimplify complex ideas. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Demand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/demand/) [Mathematical problems](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mathematical-problems/) [Mathematician](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mathematician/) [Mathematics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mathematics/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Problem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/problem/) [Streets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/streets/) ## Related quotes > [A mathematical theory is not to be considered complete until you have made it so clear that you can explain it to the first…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-hilbert/a-mathematical-theory-is-not-to-be-considered-complete-until-you-have/) [David Hilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-hilbert/) > [There is nothing that can be said by mathematical symbols and relations which cannot also be said by words. 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