Mathematics Quote by John Nash
“I studied mathematics fairly broadly and I was fortunate enough...also to make a nice discovery relating to manifolds and real algebraic varieties. So I was prepared actually for the possibility that the game theory work would not be regarded as acceptable as a thesis in the mathematics department and then that I could realize the objective of a Ph.D. thesis with the other results.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, 1994, John Nash, 1994
He prepared for possible rejection of his game theory work by having alternative research on manifolds and algebraic varieties ready.
In simple terms: He kept backup plans in case his main work was rejected.
Key Takeaway
Maintain diverse research avenues.
Themes
adaptability
research
career planning
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
academic
strategic
When to use this quote
- PhD thesis planning
- academic job applications
- grant proposals
Key Concepts
Game theory
manifolds
algebraic varieties
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance depth and breadth in research?
- When should you pivot to alternative projects?
A Different Perspective
Backup plans may dilute focus on primary goals.
![“Geometry, which should only obey Physics, when united with it sometimes commands it. If it happens that the question which we wish to examine is too complicated for all the elements to be able to enter into the analytical comparison we wish to make, we separate the more inconvenient [elements], we…” quote by Jean le Rond d'Alembert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d9/jean-le-rond-d-alembert-26487_able_geometry-which-should-only-obey-physics_6945.jpg)
