"If indeed, as Hilbert asserted, mathematics is a meaningless game played with meaningless marks on paper, the only mathematical experience to which we can refer is the making of marks on paper"

This quote by E. T. Bell is a reflection on the nature of mathematics. Hilbert asserted that mathematics is an useless game played with useless marks on paper. Bell is recommending that if this holds true, then the only mathematical experience that we can describe is the making of marks on paper. This implies that mathematics is a purely symbolic activity, and that the marks on paper are the only tangible proof of mathematical progress. Bell is suggesting that mathematics is a purely symbolic activity, which the marks on paper are the only concrete proof of mathematical progress. He is likewise indicating that the only way to comprehend mathematics is to participate in the process of making marks on paper. This quote highlights the value of the symbolic nature of mathematics and the value of engaging in the process of making marks on paper in order to understand it.