Umbrella Quotes (2 quotes)
The traditional mathematics professor of the popular legend is absentminded. He usually appears in public with a lost umbrella in each hand. He prefers to face a blackboard and to turn his back on the class. He writes a, he says b, he means c, but it should be d. Some of his sayings are handed down from generation to generation:
In order to solve this differential equation you look at it till a solution occurs to you.
This principle is so perfectly general that no particular application of it is possible.
Geometry is the science of correct reasoning on incorrect figures.
My method to overcome a difficulty is to go round it.
What is the difference between method and device? A method is a device which you used twice.
In order to solve this differential equation you look at it till a solution occurs to you.
This principle is so perfectly general that no particular application of it is possible.
Geometry is the science of correct reasoning on incorrect figures.
My method to overcome a difficulty is to go round it.
What is the difference between method and device? A method is a device which you used twice.
In How to Solve It: A New Aspect of Mathematical Method (2004), 208.
In order to ascertain the height of the tree I must be in such a position that the top of the tree is exactly in a line with the top of a measuring-stickor any straight object would do, such as an umbrellawhich I shall secure in an upright position between my feet. Knowing then that the ratio that the height of the tree bears to the length of the measuring stick must equal the ratio that the distance from my eye to the base of the tree bears to my height, and knowing (or being able to find out) my height, the length of the measuring stick and the distance from my eye to the base of the tree, I can, therefore, calculate the height of the tree.
What is an umbrella?
What is an umbrella?
In Mr. Fortunes Maggot (1927), 175.
In science it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion.
(1987) -- 
