"I conclude that mathematics is considered socially important
mainly because it is useful but
a) that a central part of this usefulness is
in trying
to understand the widest and most general
aspects of the physical world - a sort of non-utilitarian,
intellectual purpose and
b) that all the principal uses of mathematics are
mediated through understanding
Mathematics should not be regarded as a tool
rather as a pair of binoculars
i.e. an instrument for looking at the world."
Chris Ormell
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