Mathematics spans from before Pythagoras to beyond Einstein
Evidence
In these days of conflict between ancient and modern studies, there must surely be something to be said for a study which did not begin with Pythagoras, and will not end with Einstein, but is the oldest and the youngest of all. — G. H. Hardy, A Mathematician’s Apology, 154
Categorization
- DEFINE: Hardy defines mathematics’ identity by its dual oldest-and-youngest time span as the core of its value.
- corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — G. H. Hardy, A Mathematician’s Apology, 154
- XREF: connects to: Permanent creations like geometrical theorems exceed ordinary human powers — G. H. Hardy, A Mathematician’s Apology, 153; Demonstrative deductive mathematics originated with Pythagoras and mysticism — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 177; Pythagorean cosmology provided the conceptual leap toward the Copernican hypothesis. — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 900 (+2 more)
Broader Connections
- Demonstrative deductive mathematics originated with Pythagoras and mysticism
#exemplifies(0.85) — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 177 - The Rhind Mathematical Papyrus reveals ancient Egyptian numerical thought.
#exemplifies(0.70) — Neil MacGregor, A History of the World in 100 Objects, 291 - Einstein prioritized equations over political roles.
#exemplifies(0.65) — Hawking, Stephen, A Brief History of Time, 348 - Pythagorean cosmology provided the conceptual leap toward the Copernican hypothesis.
#expands(0.60) — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 900