Formulas Quote by Donald Knuth
“A mathematical formula should never be "owned" by anybody! Mathematics belong to God.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Art of Computer Programming, Donald Knuth, 1973
Mathematics belongs to a higher power and should not be owned by individuals.
In simple terms: Math is universal, not owned.
Key Takeaway
Respect the shared nature of mathematics.
Themes
mathematics
ownership
philosophy
Mood
respectful
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- education
- research
- collaboration
Key Concepts
ethics
metaphysics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we protect open knowledge?
- What responsibilities come with shared discoveries?
A Different Perspective
Intellectual property concerns persist.
![“[The Euclidean algorithm is] the granddaddy of all algorithms, because it is the oldest nontrivial algorithm that has survived to the present day.” quote by Donald Knuth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/880/donald-knuth-8762_algorithms_the-euclidean-algorithm-is-the-granddadd_96085.jpg)
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)
