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.
Meaning of the quote
The quote suggests that the people who actually create and develop new ideas (the "makers") have more respect and authority than the people who just explain or analyze those ideas (the "explainers"). It argues that the work of explaining, criticizing, and appreciating is not as valuable or impressive as the original creative work.
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)