creators hope to define objects in a way that’s useful now but flexible enough to accommodate the unanticipated uses mathematicians might have for these objects. with more complicated objects, there are maybe 10 or 20 different ways to formalize it.
the current mode of team-based mathematics is a relatively new phenomenon. “Mathematics used to be a much more individual activity,” Minsky said. “Maybe in the next year or so, we’ll be back to some solo projects.”
Intentional serendipity is a motif at Oberwolfach. The institute works to minimize distractions from math and to remove any barriers to collaboration. No locks, restricted Wi-Fi, and meals served family style with seats assigned at random before lunch and dinner. we’ve only just begun to explore, with landing parties here and there along the coast and a small number of successful excursions into the interior. They listen as if they’re exploring dangerous new terrain and their lives depend on understanding each other. nearly transcribing themselves in chalk as they went. unspooled rows of symbols, “Sometimes you don’t ask yourself the correct questions, but people can ask them for you,” she said. But math is like everything else: To be successful you have to be able to communicate.”
