The study of mathematics is apt to commence in disappointment... We are told that by its aid the stars are weighed and the billions of molecules in a drop of water are counted. Yet, like the ghost of Hamlet's father, this great science eludes the efforts of our mental weapons to grasp it.
The exploration of mathematics often begins with a sense of disillusionment, as expressed by Alfred North Whitehead. He notes that while mathematics is praised for its ability to achieve remarkable feats, such as calculating the weight of stars and counting countless molecules, the subject can seem elusive and challenging for learners. It conveys an initial feeling of inadequacy in understanding such a profound discipline.
Whitehead likens this struggle to the haunting figure of Hamlet's father, implying that mathematics, despite its significance and power, remains just out of reach for many. This comparison highlights the frustration that can accompany the study of mathematics, suggesting that while it holds immense potential, grasping its true essence requires persistence and determination.