Strogatz names what moved him: 4,000 years of math tradition and an unknowable AI future
stevenstrogatz · x · 2026-09-13
In the thread's conclusion, Strogatz identifies what set him off: the grandeur of a 4,000-year human mathematical tradition, the inconceivability of what lies ahead, and the possibility something precious may disappear along the way. He also mentions BIG MATH, the book he co-wrote with Alex Townsend over two years tracing how supercharging math with computers brought humanity to this moment.
Related event: Mathematician Steven Strogatz Explains His Tears Over AI Math Breakthroughs(8 posts)→
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