Part V

Where does the inspiration of the knot theorists come from?

The number of scientists involved in studies connected with the theory of knots grows at an exponential rate.
Why? From where do they take their most brilliant ideas?
These are the questions which I am asking myself quite often, in particular when I am reading
papers written by my mathematically oriented colleagues.
Due to the apparent time worm-holes Polish painters were able to provide answers to the questions
before the questions have been posed.
One of the less known Zmurko's paintings reveals the truth. The pleasant truth, I would say.
(More and more I am tending to think that maybe I should have become a mathematician, not a physicist.)

Inspiration of Eric R.
(based on Widzenie Fausta by Franciszek Zmurko)

The method used by Eric R. reminds me "Joseph Balsamo", the novel by Alexandre Dumas (father),
which I was secretly reading in my youth.
That mathematicians are able to convince brilliant girls to share their secret thoughts with them is wildly known.
Another story of this kind has been recorded by Axentowicz..
The victim is different, the predator is different, the method is different.
but the goal the same - a brilliant idea.

Inspiration of Rob K.
(based on Reading girl by Teodor Axentowicz)

Some scientist are too shy to do, what Eric R. or Rob K. do, to find brilliant ideas.
It does not mean, of course, that their minds are free from temptations.
And temptation, as we all know, can be easily transformed into reptation.
Once more it has been Axentowicz to reveal the truth.

Temptation of Tetsuo D.
(based on Redhead by Teodor Axentowicz) 

Not always the circumstances at which mathematicians get their best ideas are so dramatic.
Sometimes, the ideas appear all af a sudden when nobody really expects them, e.g. during a picnic.
It was a sunny Sunday afternoon. (I cannot find out at which AMS spring meeting it was.)
Jon S. and Greg B. were enjoying an afternoon tea, when a very good idea came to their mind.
They left for a while the company to discuss it in private..
This very moment has been recorded by Gierymski.
The subject of the discussion will remain unknown. Peccato!

Jon S. and Greg B. discussing a new idea
(based on W altanie by Aleksander Gierymski) 

Good ideas can be fished for also in tranquility, far from the hectic life of modern society.
I find an example of this approach in one of the paintings by Siemiradzki.
He shows Ben L. after two days in raw spent at the keyboard.
Ben seems to be innocently watching the fishing children, but it is only appearances, appearances...
Can you see the ideal knot resting behind the tree? In a while Ben will grab it.
I know he will. Have a look at his home pages. The poor knot is there!