Mathematical proofs gain beauty through economy and lack of variation

Evidence

A mathematical proof should resemble a simple and clear-cut constellation, not a scattered cluster in the Milky Way. — G. H. Hardy, A Mathematician’s Apology, 237

Categorization

• SEED: The constellation-vs-Milky-Way metaphor for proof elegance could anchor an essay contrasting minimal proofs with exhaustive case enumeration.
• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — G. H. Hardy, A Mathematician’s Apology, 237
• XREF: connects to: Mathematical patterns outlast artistic ones because they are built purely out of ideas — G. H. Hardy, A Mathematician’s Apology, 166; Chess players’ appreciation of beauty proves widespread taste for mathematics — G. H. Hardy, A Mathematician’s Apology, 172; Beauty is the first test of mathematics and ugly mathematics has no permanent place — G. H. Hardy, A Mathematician’s Apology, 169 (+2 more)