On the unity of mathematics. A quote from remarks by Margaret Wright, 2011


A longstanding practice has been to divide the mathematical sciences into categories that are, by implication, close to disjoint. Two of the most common distinctions are drawn between `pure' and `applied' mathematics, and between `mathematics' and `statistics'. These and other categories can be useful to convey real differences in style, culture and methodology, but they have produced an increasingly negative effect when the mathematical sciences are considered in the overall context of science and engineering, by stressing divisions rather than unifying principles. Furthermore, such distinctions can create unnecessary barriers and tensions within the mathematical sciences community by absorbing energy that might be expended more productively. In fact, there are increasing overlaps and beneficial interactions between different areas of the mathematical sciences.