Adversity Quote by Lancelot Hogben
“The best therapy for emotional blocks to math is the realization that the human race took centuries or millennia to see through the mist of difficulties and paradoxes which instructors now invite us to solve in a few minutes.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Social Function of Mathematics, 1938
Understanding that math’s difficulty took centuries helps ease modern frustrations.
In simple terms: Math’s history eases current struggles.
Remember math’s long development when stuck.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- classroom teaching
- self‑study
- math tutoring
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view change your approach?
- What strategies help you overcome math blocks?
Historical perspective may not solve specific problems.