Posted by Jamal Spelling on February 4, 2008, at 4:49:17
In reply to Re: Dr Bob, why did you give up math?, posted by Dr. Bob on February 3, 2008, at 19:27:22
Dr Bob, I'm sorry if I put you in an awkward position by asking a personal question. The reason I asked is because I myself aspire to one day becoming a mathematician, and it always saddens me when I see people leave mathematics.
The Hungarian mathematician Vázsonyi told the story of how Paul Erdős (mentioned in the centenary edition of Time as the cleverest mathematician of the 20th century) convinced him to stay in mathematics:
When I wasnt sure whether to stay a mathematician or go to the Technical University and become an engineer, Erdős warned me: Ill hide, and when you enter the Technical University, I will shoot you.. That settled the matter.And, Phillipa, as to your remark about geeks, may I quote Bill Gates:
Be nice to nerds. Chances are youll end up working for one.
poster:Jamal Spelling
thread:810444
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20080130/msgs/810665.html