To insure the adoration of a theorem for any length of time, faith is not enough, a police force is needed as well.

Summary

This quote, credited to the renowned mathematician David Hilbert, suggests that the popular acceptance and appreciation of a mathematical theorem cannot solely rely on faith or belief in its validity. Merely trusting a theorem is not enough to ensure its enduring admiration in the mathematics community, as rigorous proof and verification are also necessary. The metaphor of a "police force" emphasizes the need for a system of checking and regulating mathematical claims to maintain their credibility over time.

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