If “the mathematician’s patterns, like the painter’s and the poet’s, must be beautiful” (G.H. Hardy), how might this impact the production of knowledge?
This article explores the notion that beauty is a crucial aspect of the production of knowledge, as seen through the lens of mathematics and the arts. With reference to G.H. Hardy’s statement that “the mathematician’s patterns, like the painter’s and the poet’s, must be beautiful,” the article examines the impact that a focus on aesthetics has on the creation and dissemination of knowledge. Whether exploring the beauty of mathematical equations or the aesthetic principles that underpin artistic expression, this article argues that a focus on beauty can enhance our understanding of the world and the knowledge we produce.