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mohamedkoubaa • yesterday at 7:22 PM • 1 reply • view on HN

What does it mean for a mathematics to be "provisioned"? A well-funded math foundation run like the Linux Foundation could cover the lifestyles of many elite mathematicians. I don't understand why you imagine it would be centralized behind one "large entity" or that this large entity, so long as it is not a government, can't be trusted to fund good things.

People unaffiliated with the Linux foundation contribute to Linux. Regularly.


Replies

btilly • today at 1:45 AM

For a public good to be provisioned means that the necessary resources and organization for that good, need to be supplied.

Supporting a group of elite mathematicians is not enough. There needs to be a path to becoming an elite mathematician.

Which either means that it becomes an unpaid hobby. Or there is some wider source of support for the profession.