Mathematics and Public Opinion

Abstract

PERHAPS few well-known mathematicians have escaped an experience which would be amusing if it were not so exasperating. Mr. Brown (let us say) is introduced to Prof. Smith, who teaches mathematics at a provincial college. After the usual expression of pleasure at the introduction, Brown generally adds “Of course, although I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you before, I know you well by reputation.” Then, without so much as pausing to take breath, he proceeds to explain that he was always a duffer in “maths” at school, and that he has now forgotten everything about the subject they tried to teach him as a boy. Now Brown doesn't act in this way to every celebrity. If introduced to Dr. Lasker, and unaware that he is a distinguished mathematician, he does not seize the first opportunity of telling him that, although he occasionally plays draughts with his wife in the evening, chess was always beyond him, and he could not remember the simplest openings. Still less does he act in this way if his new acquaintance is a sportsman or an epicure. Moreover, in making his lamentable confession, Brown shows no sign of regret or humiliation; on the contrary, a sort of satisfied look steals over his face, suggesting that he is glad to be free once for all from the study of such a repulsive and useless subject. England is perhaps the only country where such an occurrence is fairly frequent; and this fact suggests some very unpleasant reflections.