"Rigour is to the mathematician what morality is to men"
- Andre Weil
About this Quote
This quote by Andre Weil is a contrast in between the importance of rigour to a mathematician and morality to men. Rigour is the quality of being exceptionally extensive and precise in one's work. It is the practice of being precise and specific in one's estimations and thinking. Similarly, morality is the quality of remaining in accordance with principles of right and wrong behaviour. It is the practice of being sincere, just, and reasonable in one's actions.
Weil is suggesting that rigour is to the mathematician what morality is to guys. Simply as morality is vital for guys to live a good life, rigour is necessary for mathematicians to produce precise and trustworthy outcomes. Without rigour, mathematicians would not be able to trust the outcomes of their work. Likewise, without morality, men would not be able to trust each other and live in harmony.
Weil's quote is a pointer of the importance of rigour and morality in our lives. Both are essential for us to live a great life and to produce reliable outcomes. We must strive to be strenuous and ethical in our work and in our actions.
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