Interesting post, however perhaps I would disagree with the word ‘attacking’ in respect to life and relationships. The extrapolation from mathematical inquiry to this may not be adequate Such a subject brings up innumerable problems in regard to how we adequately conceptualize conscious thought. Let us not forget what Einstein’s words,

‘The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.

Science is now showing that there are neurons elsewhere in the body such as the gut (gut-feeling). ‘Inspiration’ is a slippery word, but we should not underestimate its existence or the value of intuition in respect to how we conduct ourselves with others. There is indeed a place for ‘attacking’ problems in life, but there is also arguably more need for the intuitive compassion and understanding that come through silencing the mind.

Aside from the nitpicking, very informative article. My grandfather (Karl Gruenberg) was a leading lecturer in Algebra, so I have some experience with how genius mathematicians deal with human relationships!