In volume 4 of The World of Mathematics (James R Newman, Editor; Dover 2003), in a section entitled "Amusements, Puzzles, and Fancies," is an essay by Edward Kasner and James R. Newman entitled "Pastimes of Past and Present Times." This piece is prefaced by a quote from Mark Twain: "Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do, and play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do." One of the characteristics that mathematicians and poets have in common is that both enjoy mind-play -- mental adventures with ideas or numbers or words, dancing and shaping into some new thing.
Showing posts with label Mark Twain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mark Twain. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
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