mathematics and suicide
I wonder whether there is any connection between the following two long-standing observations:
- Theoretical mathematicians are held in high respect in French culture.
- The French are obsessed with suicide.
Some keywords/expressions that may be helpful for unearthing the connections:
- Existential qualms, a desire for the otherworldly, escapism, social disengagement, assertion and expression of individuality, the-individual-who-is-misunderstood-by-others, presence and consequences of a rich inner world, strive for originality, impatience with imperfections, perpetually true ideas / perpetuation of social values, adherence to tradition, respect to historical continuity, self-sacrifice in the name of something greater, inability to share discoveries/emotions with the loved ones.
- Theoretical mathematicians are held in high respect in French culture.
- The French are obsessed with suicide.
Some keywords/expressions that may be helpful for unearthing the connections:
- Existential qualms, a desire for the otherworldly, escapism, social disengagement, assertion and expression of individuality, the-individual-who-is-misunderstood-by-others, presence and consequences of a rich inner world, strive for originality, impatience with imperfections, perpetually true ideas / perpetuation of social values, adherence to tradition, respect to historical continuity, self-sacrifice in the name of something greater, inability to share discoveries/emotions with the loved ones.
