worrydream

### Keybase proof

I hereby claim:

  * I am worrydream on github.
  * I am worrydream (https://keybase.io/worrydream) on keybase.
  * I have a public key whose fingerprint is 8B48 52DE B697 6685 FAC6  0CFC 8E90 AD8D 7279 401E

To claim this, I am signing this object:

worrydream

From William Thurston: On proof and progress in mathematics
http://arxiv.org/pdf/math/9404236v1.pdf

When a significant theorem is proved, it often (but not always) happens that the solution can be communicated in a matter of minutes from one person to another within the subfield. The same proof would be communicated and generally understood in an hour talk to members of the subfield. It would be the subject of a 15- or 20-page paper, which could be read and understood in a few hours or perhaps days by members of the subfield.

Why is there such a big expansion from the informal discussion to the talk to the paper? One-on-one, people use wide channels of communication that go far beyond formal mathematical language. They use gestures, they draw pictures and diagrams, they make sound effects and use body language. Communication is more likely to be two-way, so that people can concentrate on what needs the most attention. With these channels of communication, they are in a much better position to convey what's