Pure mathematics is on the whole distinctly more useful than applied. For what is useful above all is technique, and mathematical technique is taught mainly through pure mathematics.
Meaning of the quote
Pure math is actually more helpful than applied math. The most important thing is learning math techniques, and you learn those techniques best by studying pure math, not just applying math to real-world problems.
About G. H. Hardy
G.H. Hardy was a renowned English mathematician known for his groundbreaking work in number theory and mathematical analysis. He was also the mentor of the celebrated Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, and their collaboration is considered one of the most famous partnerships in the history of mathematics.
More quotes from G. H. Hardy
A mathematician, like a painter or poet, is a maker of patterns. If his patterns are more permanent than theirs, it is because they are made with ideas.
British mathematician (1877-1947)
Archimedes will be remembered when Aeschylus is forgotten, because languages die and mathematical ideas do not.
British mathematician (1877-1947)
There is no scorn more profound, or on the whole more justifiable, than that of the men who make for the men who explain. Exposition, criticism, appreciation, is work for second-rate minds.
British mathematician (1877-1947)
Pure mathematics is on the whole distinctly more useful than applied. For what is useful above all is technique, and mathematical technique is taught mainly through pure mathematics.
British mathematician (1877-1947)
Young men should prove theorems, old men should write books.
British mathematician (1877-1947)
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
British mathematician (1877-1947)
I am interested in mathematics only as a creative art.
British mathematician (1877-1947)