"I was proud of my work with Yakov Isaevich, and he of me. Despite our good relationship, however, I kept my “other” mathematical life – my work with Fuchs and Feigin and all of that – secret from him as I did from most other people. It was as though applied mathematics was my spouse, and pure mathematics was my secret lover."

Edward Frenkel Mathematics See all quotes by Edward Frenkel →

React to this quote

More by Edward Frenkel

“Mathematics allows you to see the invisible.”

“People tend to think that mathematicians always work in sterile conditions, sitting around and staring at the screen of a computer, or at a ceiling, in a pristine office. But in fact, some of the best ideas come when you least expect them, possibly through annoying industrial noise.”

“In mathematics, it's not a game where the fastest wins. But rather, it's more like who can see farther, who can see deeper. That's the one who achieves more.”

“We should all have access to the mathematical knowledge and tools needed to protect us from arbitrary decisions made by the powerful few in an increasingly math-driven world. Where there is no mathematics, there is no freedom.”

Resonant Thoughts

"The subject matter of mathematics has increased so rapidly and extensively that there is some element of truth in maintaining that mathematics is not so much a subject as a way of studying any subject…"

— George Frederick James Temple

Mathematics1901–1992

#life

"The conscience of the world is so guilty that it always assumes that people who investigate heresies must be heretics; just as if a doctor who studies leprosy must be a leper. Indeed, it is only recen…"

— Aleister Crowley

Literature1875–1947

#life

"Obviously, being on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills brought more awareness to Erika Jayne and brought her out of the clubs and into people’s living rooms. I’m very thankful for that. I have nothi…"

— Erika Jayne

Music1971

#life