25 July 2022

On Universality XI: Mathematics IV

"Contrary to popular belief, mathematics is not a universal language. Rather, mathematics is based on a strict set of definitions and rules that have been instated and to which meaning has been given." (Christopher Tremblay, "Mathematics for Game Developers", 2004)

"At every major step physics has required, and frequently stimulated, the introduction of new mathematical tools and concepts. Our present understanding of the laws of physics, with their extreme precision and universality, is only possible in mathematical terms." (Michael F Atiyah, 2005)

"Algebraic symbols carry a universality of interpretation that allows them to be manipulated in a way that words cannot. Indeed, this was the key breakthrough that allowed mathematics to flourish in a way that was not possible until the advent of algebra. All higher mathematics relies on constant use of algebraic manipulation and would be impossible without it." (Peter M Higgins, "Number Story: From Counting to Cryptography", 2008)

"Math is a way to describe reality and figure out how the world works, a universal language that has become the gold standard of truth. In our world, increasingly driven by science and technology, mathematics is becoming, ever more, the source of power, wealth, and progress. Hence those who are fluent in this new language will be on the cutting edge of progress." (Edward Frenkel, "Love and Math", 2014)

"Mathematics connect themselves on the one side with common life and the physical sciences; on the other side with philosophy, in regard to our notions of space and time, and in the questions which have arisen as to the universality and necessity of the truths of mathematics, and the foundation of our knowledge of them." (Arthur Cayley)

"[…] the mathematician learns early to accept no fact, to believe no statement, however apparently reasonable or obvious or trivial, until it has been proved, rigorously and totally by a series of steps proceeding from universally accepted first principles." (Alfred Adler)

"‘Tis of singular use, rightly to understand, and carefully to distinguish from hypotheses or mere suppositions, the true and certain consequences of experimental and mathematical philosophy; which do, with wonderful strength and advantage, to all such as are capable of apprehending them, confirm, establish, and vindicate against all objections, those great and fundamental truths of natural religion, which the wisdom of providence has at the same time universally implanted, in some degree, in the minds of persons even of the meanest capacities, not qualified to examine demonstrative proofs." (Samuel Clarke)

"The mathematics of rhythm are universal. They don't belong to any particular culture." (John McLaughlin)

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