Daniel Dvorkin's Journal: On proofs

There is deep satisfaction in finishing an elegant proof, like writing a good short poem or a beautiful paragraph, though not exactly like either of these. It is, I suspect, very much like finding the right arrangement of notes when writing a piece of music; I'll probably never know.

In writing a paper full of such proofs, there is fatigue and blurred vision and, often, actual pain. So it goes.

giving it away

[PopeRatzo]

In writing a paper full of such proofs, there is fatigue and blurred vision and, often, actual pain. So it goes.

Look at it this way: The elegant proof is for you, the paper full of them is for others.

And after you get a little rest and your vision clears (or you get used to the blurriness) the paper (or musical composition) will endure to give others pleasure (or give them something to do while they tear it apart).

Either way, it's cause for a moment's celebration, which in this life is no small thing.

Re:

[Daniel Dvorkin]

Oh, I like that way of looking at it.