It seems to me that the poet has only to perceive that which others do not perceive, to look deeper than others look. And the mathematician must do the same thing.
Sofia KovalevskayaRead
Many who have had an opportunity of knowing any more about mathematics confuse it with arithmetic, and consider it an arid science. In reality, however, it is a science which requires a great amount of imagination.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Mathematics is often misunderstood as a dry subject when it actually requires creativity and imagination.
In this quote, Sofia Kovalevskaya highlights the common misconception that mathematics is purely about numbers and calculations, likening it to arithmetic. She argues that true mathematical thinking demands a deep level of imagination and creativity, emphasizing the artistic and innovative aspects of the field that are often overlooked by those who lack deeper knowledge of it.
Themes
MathematicsImaginationEducationScienceMisconception
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a math class to inspire students to think creatively about math.
More from Sofia Kovalevskaya
All quotes →Many who have never had an opportunity of knowing any more about mathematics confound it with arithmetic, and consider it an arid science. In reality, however, it is a science which requires a great amount of imagination.
Sofia KovalevskayaRead
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