Active Quote by Herbert Wilf
“The research reported on in our book "A=B", has moved a whole active field of mathematics from the province of human thought to the realm of computer-fodder. It is quite exciting to think about what other fields of pure mathematics, hitherto thought to be reserved to human intelligence, might be moved to that realm next. The goal is to put ourselves out of business completely, and the work is well underway.”
About This Quote
Source Book: A=B by Herbert Wilf and Doron Zeilberger, 1990
The quote says that computer algorithms are now solving problems once thought only humans could handle, and this may continue across mathematics.
In simple terms: Computers are solving pure math problems.
Embrace automation in research.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- research labs
- academic curricula
- industry R&D
- policy planning
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What problems should remain human‑centric?
- How to balance automation with understanding?
Reliance on computers may reduce deep human insight.