The Romance of Mathematics

I have been engaged as you are doubtless aware for some years in the pursuit of mathematical research exploring the mines of science which have of late been worked very persistently but often like the black diamond mines at a loss. Concurrently with these researches I have speculated on the great social problems which perplex the minds of men both individually and collectively. And I have come to the conclusion that the same laws hold good in both spheres of work; that methods of mathematical procedure are applicable to the grand social problems of the day and to the regulation of the mutual relations which exist between man and man. Take for example the Force of public opinion. Of 17 what is it composed? It is the Resultant of all the forces which act upon that which is generally designated the ‘Social System.’