Math is no fun for lobsters

“A lobster doesn’t get to think about the laws of nature, and so I’ve often thought to myself that it’s a blessing that we live in a certain window of intelligence. If we were infinitely smart—God-like—we’ll have such powerful brains we can see every implication of everything, so math wouldn’t be fun for a being that’s too smart. And of course for the lobster that’s not smart enough, math is no fun for them, either. It’s in this intermediate window where math and science become something to rejoice in.”
—Steve Strogatz, mathematician

I’m finally listening to the most recent episode of Radio Lab, “Yellow Fluff and Other Curious Encounters,” and I just fell in love with Steve Strogatz’s quote. I had to pause, rewind, and play the podcast over a dozen times before I was able to write it down, word-for-word. It embodies some of the reasons why I love science, and why I’m capable of being fascinated by it. Enjoy.