Quotes by George Polya. An George Polya Quote Library | The Gaiam Blog

Image via WikipediaQuotes by George Polya. An George Polya Quote Library | The Gaiam Blog:

"The traditional mathematics professor of the popular legend is absentminded.

He usually appears in public with a lost umbrella in each hand.

He prefers to face the blackboard and to turn his back to the class. He writes a, he says b, he means c; but it should be d.

Some of his sayings are handed down from generation to generation. 'In order to solve this differential equation you look at it till a solution occurs to you.' 'This principle is so perfectly general that no particular application of it is possible.'

'Geometry is the science of correct reasoning on incorrect figures.' 'My method to overcome a difficulty is to go round it.'

'What is the difference between method and device?

A method is a device which you used twice.'

George Polya"