Conjecture Quote by Jack Edmonds
“My reasons are the same as for any mathematical conjecture: (1) It is a legitimate mathematical possibility, and (2) I do not know.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: “Complexity and Computability” at MIT, 1975
Mathematical conjectures are pursued because they are logically possible and unknown, highlighting curiosity and the open‑ended nature of research
In simple terms: We explore ideas that could be true even if we don’t know yet
Key Takeaway
Embrace uncertainty and keep investigating possibilities
Themes
curiosity
uncertainty
mathematics
research methodology
Mood
inquisitive
analytical
thoughtful
Type
academic
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- problem solving
- theoretical development
- grant proposals
- peer review
Key Concepts
logic
possibility
knowledge gaps
exploratory thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- What unknowns in your field intrigue you most?
- How do you decide which possibilities to pursue?
A Different Perspective
Lack of evidence can stall progress, and endless possibilities may lead to analysis paralysis
![“The classes of problems which are respectively known and not known to have good algorithms are of great theoretical interest. [...] I conjecture that there is no good algorithm for the traveling salesman problem. My reasons are the same as for any mathematical conjecture: (1) It is a legitimate…” quote by Jack Edmonds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/43a/jack-edmonds-61996_algorithms_the-classes-of-problems-which-are-respec_50487.jpg)
![“Physiognomy is not a guide that has been given us by which to judge of the character of men: it may only serve us for conjecture. [Fr., La physionomie n'est pas une regle qui nous soit donnee pour juger des hommes; elle nous peut servir de conjecture.]” quote by Jean de la Bruyere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3cd/jean-de-la-bruyere-575_character_physiognomy-is-not-a-guide-that-has-been_207056.jpg)
