Accusation Quote by John Edensor Littlewood
“The theory of numbers is particularly liable to the accusation that some of its problems are the wrong sort of questions to ask. I do not myself think the danger is serious; either a reasonable amount of concentration leads to new ideas or methods of obvious interest, or else one just leaves the problem alone. "Perfect numbers" certainly never did any good, but then they never did any particular harm.”
About This Quote
Source Book: A Mathematician's Miscellany, 1969
The author notes that some mathematical problems may seem misguided, but focused effort can yield useful ideas; trivial problems like perfect numbers cause little harm.
In simple terms: Some math problems seem useless, yet effort can reveal value; trivial issues cause little damage.
Key Takeaway
Invest effort wisely; discard truly unproductive problems.
Themes
mathematics
problem solving
research methodology
philosophy of science
productivity
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
Type
academic
professional
When to use this quote
- academic research
- industry R&D
- educational curriculum design
- personal study plans
Key Concepts
theory selection
resource allocation
creative thinking
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- Which problems merit deep investigation?
- How to recognize truly unproductive questions?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on “wrong” problems can waste time if not balanced with curiosity.
![“I constantly meet people who are doubtful, generally without due reason, about their potential capacity [as mathematicians]. The first test is whether you got anything out of geometry. To have disliked or failed to get on with other [mathematical] subjects need mean nothing; much drill and…” quote by John Edensor Littlewood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ad0/john-edensor-littlewood-23851_born_i-constantly-meet-people-who-are-doubtfu_1210950.jpg)
