"Guided only by their feeling for symmetry, simplicity, and generality, and an indefinable sense of the fitness of things, creative mathematicians now, as in the past, are inspired by the art of mathematics rather than by any prospect of ultimate usefulness"

This quote by E. T. Bell speaks with the creative procedure of mathematicians. He suggests that mathematicians are assisted by their own sense of visual appeals, such as proportion, simpleness, and generality, instead of by any practical application of their work. This "indefinable sense of the physical fitness of things" is what drives mathematicians to produce and check out the art of mathematics. Bell indicates that mathematicians are inspired by the charm of mathematics, rather than by any potential usefulness of their work. This quote speaks to the power of mathematics and the creative procedure of mathematicians, who are driven by their own sense of visual appeals and appeal. It is this creative procedure that has actually allowed mathematicians to make terrific strides in the field, despite any potential useful applications.