We must admit with humility that, while number is purely a product of our minds, space has a reality outside our minds, so that we cannot completely prescribe its properties a priori.
Carl Friedrich GaussRead
It is always noteworthy that all those who seriously study this science [the theory of numbers] conceive a sort of passion for it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Studying the theory of numbers evokes a strong passion in those who delve into it.
Carl Friedrich Gauss emphasizes the deep connection and passion that individuals tend to develop for the study of numbers and mathematical theories. This suggests that engaging with complex scientific material can transform into a profound affection, illustrating the beauty and allure of mathematics.
Themes
NumbersPassionMathematicsStudyScience
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared during a mathematics conference to inspire students.
More from Carl Friedrich Gauss
All quotes βI protest against the use of infinite magnitude ..., which is never permissible in mathematics.
Carl Friedrich GaussRead
Mathematics is the queen of sciences and number theory is the queen of mathematics. She often condescends to render service to astronomy and other natural sciences, but in all relations she is entitled to the first rank.
Carl Friedrich GaussRead
To praise it would amount to praising myself. For the entire content of the work... coincides almost exactly with my own meditations which have occupied my mind for the past thirty or thirty-five years.
Carl Friedrich GaussRead
The problem of distinguishing prime numbers from composite numbers and of resolving the latter into their prime factors is known to be one of the most important and useful in arithmetic.
Carl Friedrich GaussRead
Life stands before me like an eternal spring with new and brilliant clothes.
Carl Friedrich GaussRead
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