Education Quote by Edward Charles Titchmarsh
“It can be of no practical use to know that Pi is irrational, but if we can know, it surely would be intolerable not to know.”
About This Quote
Source Mathematics Lecture, 1930
Knowing that π is irrational may seem impractical, yet the desire for truth drives intellectual curiosity.
In simple terms: Knowing π is irrational fuels curiosity.
Key Takeaway
Pursue knowledge even without practical use.
Themes
knowledge
curiosity
mathematics
Mood
intellectual
reflective
Type
academic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- educational curricula
- personal study
- public talks
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
number theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Why value truth for its own sake?
- When does abstract knowledge become useful?
A Different Perspective
Practical relevance can be questioned, limiting support.
![“My greatest personal mistake is ever to allow a word or moment that “doesn’t count,” i.e., that I do not refer to my own basic principles. Every word, every action, every moment counts. (This is the pattern on which everybody makes mistakes [or] becomes irrational — not relating their one action…” quote by Ayn Rand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cf6/ayn-rand-59_action_my-greatest-personal-mistake-is-ever-to_36324.jpg)
