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Some advice on writing from mathematician Paul Halmos:

The basic problem in writing mathematics is the same as in writing biology, writing a novel, or writing directions for assembling a harpsichord: the problem is to communicate an idea. To do so, and to do it clearly, you must hâve something to say, and you must hâve someone to say it to, you must organize what you want to say, and you must arrange it in the order you want it said in, you must write it, rewrite it, and re-rewrite it several times, and you must be willing to think hard about and work hard on mechanical details such as diction, notation, and punctuation. That' s all there is to it.

Riiight.

2 Responses to “Some advice on Writing”

  1. kevin denny

    Fair enough, Halmos' book "Finite dimensional vector spaces" is a gem.

  2. Stephen

    Hi Kevin, I'd love to have a look at some of Halmos' work, but UL's library doesn't stock his books, and even his 'automathography' is 58 bucks! So maybe an ILL is in my future!

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