"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