A Mathematician's Apology

Pick an example of a profession in which older people seem to have a career advantage, and explain why this is so. Compare the requirements of this profession to the requirements for a mathematician.

Hardy believed that success in top-level math necessitates a great competitive spirit and the willingness to do hard, sustained work. Why did he consider these characteristics vital? Why might someone who’s lazy and noncompetitive fail specifically in the field of mathematics?

Cite two examples from the text that demonstrate Hardy’s competitive spirit. How does each example show this trait? How would each have contributed to his career success?

Explain what Hardy means by a reductio ad absurdum. Cite an example (other than the syllogism about Socrates mentioned in this study guide) that derives not from math but from daily life.

Why did Hardy point out that an important new math theorem must be surprising? Why would a new theorem that’s not surprising be unimpressive to the mathematics community?

On what grounds does Hardy argue that chess is inferior to mathematics? Examine Hardy’s views on this point as either valid or invalid.

Hardy believes that pure, or abstract, math is superior to applied math. List two of his reasons, and explain how they support his claim.

Hardy admits that his arguments in favor of pure mathematics are also a defense of his life and career. Explain what he means by this, citing the text in your response.