“Fairy tales are useful to mathematics as mathematics is useful to fairy tales. They serve poetry, music, utopian ideals, political engagement: in short, they’re useful to everyone, not just those with a rich imagination. Fairy tales are helpful precisely because, to all appearances, they are of no use: like poetry and music, drama and sports (when not made into businesses). They are useful to men and women alike. If society, based on the myth of productivity (and profit), utilises both men and women as faithful agents, diligent reproducers, docile instruments without a will, it means it is badly set-up and needs to be changed. To change it, we need creative men and women who know how to use their imaginations.”
Gianni Rodari
“Fairy tales are useful to mathematics as mathematics is useful to fairy tales. They serve poetry, music, utopian ideals, political engagement: in short, they’re useful to everyone, not just those with a rich imagination. Fairy tales are helpful precisely because, to all appearances, they are of no use: like poetry and music, drama and sports (when not made into businesses). They are useful to men and women alike. If society, based on the myth of productivity (and profit), utilises both men and women as faithful agents, diligent reproducers, docile instruments without a will, it means it is badly set-up and needs to be changed. To change it, we need creative men and women who know how to use their imaginations.”
Gianni Rodari
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