---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In short, I never yet encountered the…"
description: "\"“In short, I never yet encountered the mere mathematician who could be trusted out of equal roots, or one who did not clandestinely hold it as a point ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/81b/edgar-allan-poe-315_quote_in-short-i-never-yet-encountered-the-mer_1585660.jpg"
---

#  In short, I never yet encountered the mere mathematician…

![“In short, I never yet encountered the mere mathematician who could be trusted out of equal roots, or one who did not clandestinely hold it as a point of his faith that x squared + px was absolutely and unconditionally equal to q. Say to one of these gentlemen, by way of experiment, if you please…” quote by Edgar Allan Poe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/81b/edgar-allan-poe-315_quote_in-short-i-never-yet-encountered-the-mer_1585660.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/81b/edgar-allan-poe-315_quote_in-short-i-never-yet-encountered-the-mer_1585660.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/81b/edgar-allan-poe-315_quote_in-short-i-never-yet-encountered-the-mer_1585660.jpg)

> ““In short, I never yet encountered the mere mathematician who could be trusted out of equal roots, or one who did not clandestinely hold it as a point of his faith that x squared + px was absolutely and unconditionally equal to q. Say to one of these gentlemen, by way of experiment, if you please, that you believe occasions may occur where x squared + px is not altogether equal to q, and, having made him understand what you mean, get out of his reach as speedily as convenient, for, beyond doubt, he will endeavor to knock you down.””

[Edgar Allan Poe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edgar-allan-poe/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A mathematician’s rigid belief in formulas can blind them to exceptions, leading to stubbornness and conflict when challenged.

**In simple terms:** Rigid belief in formulas can cause conflict when challenged.

Key Takeaway

Question assumptions, stay flexible.

Themes

rigor belief conflict

Mood

skeptical critical thoughtful

Type

advice philosophical cautionary

When to use this quote

- academic debate
- scientific research
- engineering design
- legal argument

Key Concepts

mathematical certainty faith dogmatism

Questions to Reflect On

- When have you clung to a formula despite evidence?
- How can flexibility improve problem solving?

A Different Perspective

Such certainty may ignore real-world variability and hinder progress.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Mathematics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mathematics/)

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