Thursday, October 8, 2009

I. M. Gelfand

RIP I. M. Gelfand.

One of the great quotes in relation to mathematics and the general populace:

“Mathematics is a way of thinking in everyday life,” Dr. Gelfand said in a 2003 interview with The New York Times. “It is important not to separate mathematics from life. You can explain fractions even to heavy drinkers. If you ask them, ‘Which is larger, 2/3 or 3/5?’ it is likely they will not know. But if you ask, ‘Which is better, two bottles of vodka for three people, or three bottles of vodka for five people?’ they will answer you immediately. They will say two for three, of course."


Yours, in celebration of a life,

N.

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