Re: ? -- JSH related

From: Tim Peters (tim.one_at_comcast.net)
Date: 10/22/04 

Date: Thu, 21 Oct 2004 21:57:46 -0400

[Tim Peters]
>> don't hesitate to start a thread about a math topic that interests
>> you, even if you feel it's elementary. Any on-topic post should be
>> welcomed. For example, insist that even numbers are all divisible by
>> triangles, and then fight unbelievers to the death <winK>.

[E. Xavier]
> Thanks. That does make me feel a great deal less intimidated.
> Hopefully, my next post will be on topic and pusillanimous enough to
> avoid a deathmatch.

It does take two to fight, which is a clue about how to avoid wasting your
life in Usenet vendettas. A newsgroup is a community of sorts, although
that appeared to be a lot easier to see a decade (or more) ago. It's at its
best when people help each other -- sometimes learner, sometimes teacher,
sometimes collaborator, sometimes wide-eyed curious, sometimes skeptical,
sometimes even silly just for the fun of it -- but always respectful. All
levels of knowledge should be welcome. Sanity helps. Basic good manners
help a lot. My last word on JSH is that in the Google browsing I did, I was
either astronomically unlucky in the sample I found, or he never tried to
help anyone with their own questions. That's a sign you'll come to
recognize.

> ...
> You're right about it being impolite to ask. I really shouldn't have.
> Because he'd almost been published in a journal (no small feat),

Journals vary in reputation and standards. I'm sure that's as true in math
as it is in your field. Still, it's truly remarkable that this paper was
accepted at one point.

> I had the notion that Mr. Harris was a professor somewhere but wasn't
> sure.

FYI, I stumbled into this thoroughly affable self-disclosure:

http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=9191il%24he5%241%40nnrp1.deja.com

> Thanks for all the responses, everyone. The story of JSH is just so
> intriguing, especially when found within a subject commonly thought to
> be dry.

Oh, math's beauty is somewhat austere, but it's not dry at all. Really! It
can be exciting. Book memorization is what's deathly dry. And
mathematicians are just people, as wonderfully weird and diverse as any
occupational group. On whole, they may be crazier than the norm, I expect
as in any "highly creative" profession. When the world of ideas or passions
seems more tangible than the world of brocolli and politicians, that kinda
comes with the territory <wink>.