Mark Kac - Time Quotes

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There are two kinds of geniuses: the 'ordinary' and the 'magicians.' an ordinary genius is a fellow whom you and I would be just as good as, if we were only many times better. There is no mystery as to how his mind works. Once we understand what they've done, we feel certain that we, too, could have done it. It is different with the magicians... Feynman is a magician of the highest caliber.

Mark Kac

I then reached for a time honored tactic used by mathematicians: if you can't solve the real problem, change it into one you can solve.

Mark Kac

Actually, my solution generated considerable further work and the "dog-flea" model keeps cropping up from time to time in unexpected contexts.

Mark Kac

There are, roughly speaking, two kinds of mathematical creativity. One, akin to conquering a mountain peak, consists of solving a problem which has remained unsolved for a long time and has commanded the attention of many mathematicians. The other is exploring new territory.

Mark Kac