What is this book about?
Klein, a towering figure in 19th and early 20th-century mathematics and a proponent of linking mathematical research with educational practice, uses the concept of infinity as a central theme to discuss the state and future of mathematics. He examines the historical development of ideas regarding infinity, critiques the emerging Cantorian set theory, and argues for a more geometric and intuitive approach to understanding mathematical concepts. The book reflects his belief that mathematics should be accessible and connected to real-world thought processes, advocating for an educational system that fosters geometric intuition alongside abstract reasoning. It's an exploration of how infinity permeates mathematics (from projective geometry to calculus) and how grappling with it shapes mathematical thinking and pedagogy.
