Mathematics is the cheapest science. Unlike physics or chemistry, it does not require any expensive equipment. All one needs for mathematics is a pencil and paper.
Interpretation
Mathematics is an accessible science that requires minimal resources to practice.
This quote by George Polya emphasizes that mathematics is a unique field of study that can be pursued without the need for costly tools or labs, unlike other sciences such as physics or chemistry. It highlights the simplicity and accessibility of mathematics, suggesting that anyone can engage with it using just basic materials like a pencil and paper, thereby democratizing the knowledge and exploration of this essential discipline.
In practice
In a lecture on the importance of education, this quote can be used to emphasize the accessibility of mathematics.
Pedantry and mastery are opposite attitudes toward rules. To apply a rule to the letter, rigidly, unquestioningly, in cases where it fits and in cases where it does not fit, is pedantry. [...] To apply a rule with natural ease, with judgment, noticing the cases where it fits, and without ever letting the words of the rule obscure the purpose of the action or the opportunities of the situation, is mastery.
If you wish to learn swimming you have to go into the water and if you wish to become a problem solver you have to solve problems.
To teach effectively a teacher must develop a feeling for his subject; he cannot make his students sense its vitality if he does not sense it himself. He cannot share his enthusiasm when he has no enthusiasm to share. How he makes his point may be as important as the point he makes; he must personally feel it to be important.
Mathematics is not a spectator sport!
Mathematics is being lazy. Mathematics is letting the principles do the work for you so that you do not have to do the work for yourself
In order to translate a sentence from English into French two things are necessary. First, we must understand thoroughly the English sentence. Second, we must be familiar with the forms of expression peculiar to the French language. The situation is very similar when we attempt to express in mathematical symbols a condition proposed in words. First, we must understand thoroughly the condition. Second, we must be familiar with the forms of mathematical expression.
The single aim of my life is that every child is:_x000D_ free to be a child,_x000D_ free to grow and develop,_x000D_ free to eat, sleep, see daylight,_x000D_ free to laugh and cry,_x000D_ free to play,_x000D_ free to learn, free to go to school, and above all, free to dream.
The Indian education system, like the Indian bureaucratic system, is Victorian and still in the 19th century. Our schools are still designed to produce clerks for an empire that does not exist anymore.
Young people must be included from birth. A society that cuts itself off from its youth severs its lifeline; it is condemned to bleed to death.
Sure, it's simple, writing for kids... Just as simple as bringing them up.
I think books are like people, in the sense that they'll turn up in your life when you most need them.
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