I agree with all of this. One thing that scares me about the “mathematics as poetry” world is the sociological effect of human beings no longer rolling up their sleeves and really doing mathematics as it is understood today. Mathematical culture is very special; despite some exceptions it is an unusually open, honest, kind world. I worry that this is driven by the objective and verifiable nature of mathematical progress, combined with a high barrier to entry and a real place for good taste. If the human part of mathematics becomes entirely subjective and aesthetic, I worry that it could turn into a popularity contest that would suck the joy out of the thing itself.
I feel this is like saying: being a ship captain would suck all the joy out of being a ship. I mean, they are different experiences, but you still get to see places no else would.
I agree with all of this. One thing that scares me about the “mathematics as poetry” world is the sociological effect of human beings no longer rolling up their sleeves and really doing mathematics as it is understood today. Mathematical culture is very special; despite some exceptions it is an unusually open, honest, kind world. I worry that this is driven by the objective and verifiable nature of mathematical progress, combined with a high barrier to entry and a real place for good taste. If the human part of mathematics becomes entirely subjective and aesthetic, I worry that it could turn into a popularity contest that would suck the joy out of the thing itself.
I feel this is like saying: being a ship captain would suck all the joy out of being a ship. I mean, they are different experiences, but you still get to see places no else would.