Cab Quote by G. H. Hardy
![“I remember once going to see him [Ramanujan] when he was lying ill at Putney. I had ridden in taxi-cab No. 1729, and remarked that the number seemed to me rather a dull one, and that I hoped it was not an unfavourable omen. "No," he replied, "it is a very interesting number; it is the smallest…” quote by G. H. Hardy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/af7/g-h-hardy-8763_cab_i-remember-once-going-to-see-him-ramanuj_1278943.jpg)
“I remember once going to see him [Ramanujan] when he was lying ill at Putney. I had ridden in taxi-cab No. 1729, and remarked that the number seemed to me rather a dull one, and that I hoped it was not an unfavourable omen. "No," he replied, "it is a very interesting number; it is the smallest number expressible as a sum of two cubes in two different ways."”
About This Quote
Source Letter to Ramanujan, 1919
Hardy describes the number 1729 as unremarkable until Ramanujan reveals its unique mathematical property as the smallest taxicab number.
In simple terms: 1729 is special for being expressible as two cubes in two ways.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden depth in ordinary things.
Themes
mathematics
curiosity
discovery
Mood
inquisitive
enthusiastic
Type
educational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- teaching
- problem solving
- research discussions
Key Concepts
taxicab numbers
number theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What ordinary objects might hold surprising properties?
- How can we cultivate curiosity about the mundane?
A Different Perspective
Focusing only on surface appearances can miss deeper significance.
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