Page:Philosophy and Fun of Algebra.djvu/91

FROM BONDAGE TO FREEDOM see that the answer to a problem may sometime be


 * X = Infinity.

Please notice that if a winged gnat fell back into the water he would die. You will find this a good working rule: Whenever anything comes near your imagination which calls itself either "Infinity" or "The Liberation from Bondage," go slack for a few minutes; say over the Ten Commandments; and make a mind-picture of the gnat-grub in the water. Tell yourself that his best chance of growing strong wings and being able to fly, when Infinity comes and calls him to go up higher, is to stay in the water till the wings have grown strong and work out the water-hypothesis to its logical conclusion.

Then make another mind-picture:—The gnat who has got wings, and therefore must not try to amuse himself in the water.

Please observe:—There is nothing in this rule contrary to any commandment. Moreover, there is nothing slavish or degrading in it; nothing in 87