Accepted Quote by Max Black
“... a result once generally accepted by mathematicians is seldom retracted, and then only with great pangs. The Nature of Mathematics”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Nature of Mathematics, 1953
Mathematical truths are rarely overturned; when they are, it is a painful process for the community.
In simple terms: Math ideas rarely change; when they do, it hurts.
Key Takeaway
Accept change, but question assumptions.
Themes
science
mathematics
philosophy
progress
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- theoretical work
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
Paradigm shift
epistemic humility
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance respect for consensus with openness to revision?
- What mechanisms protect against entrenched errors?
A Different Perspective
Even accepted ideas can be wrong; overreliance on consensus may stall innovation.
![“We have reached a situation where a theory has been accepted as fact by some, and possible contrary evidence is shunted aside. [This is] mythology rather than science.” quote by Robert Shapiro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c31/robert-shapiro-26969_accepted_we-have-reached-a-situation-where-a-theo_19120.jpg)
