"We have overcome the notion that mathematical truths have an existence independent and apart from our own minds. It is even strange to us that such a notion could ever have existed"

This quote by James Newman speaks to the concept that mathematical truths are not independent of our own minds. This means that mathematical facts are not absolute, however rather are produced and comprehended by humans. This is an extreme shift from the traditional view of mathematics, which held that mathematical truths were outright and existed beyond our own minds. This quote recommends that this standard view is no longer accepted, which it is odd to think that such an idea might ever have existed. This shift in thinking has enabled us to much better understand the nature of mathematics and its relationship to the world around us. It has actually also opened up new possibilities for how mathematics can be used to resolve problems and develop brand-new knowledge.