Euclid Quote by Noga Alon
“I was interviewed on the Israeli radio for five minutes and I said that more than 2000 years ago, Euclid proved that there are infinitely many primes. Immediately the host interrupted me and asked, 'Are there still infinitely many primes?'”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Israeli radio, date unknown
The speaker mentions Euclid’s proof of infinitely many primes, prompting the host to ask if that remains true.
In simple terms: Euclid proved infinite primes; the host asks if they still exist.
Key Takeaway
Remember historical proofs are timeless.
Themes
mathematics
history
infinity
Mood
informative
thought‑provoking
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- lecture
- public speaking
- math outreach
Key Concepts
number theory
education
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we question established mathematical truths?
- How does public perception affect scientific communication?
A Different Perspective
Audience may not grasp the significance of ancient proofs.
![“As to writing another book on geometry [to replace Euclid] the middle ages would have as soon thought of composing another New Testament.” quote by Augustus De Morgan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ed4/augustus-de-morgan-18916_age_as-to-writing-another-book-on-geometry-t_584350.jpg)
![“[T]he 47th proposition in Euclid might now be voted down with as much ease as any proposition in politics; and therefore if Lord Hawkesbury hates the abstract truths of science as much as he hates concrete truth in human affairs, now is his time for getting rid of the multiplication table, and…” quote by Sydney Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/709/sydney-smith-6523_abstract_t-he-47th-proposition-in-euclid-might-no_463551.jpg)
