When asked what it
was like to set
about proving
something, the
mathematician
likened proving a
theorem to seeing
the peak of a
mountain and trying
to climb to the top.
One establishes a
base camp and begins
scaling the
mountain's sheer
face, encountering
obstacles at every
turn, often
retracing one's
steps and struggling
every foot of the
journey. Finally
when the top is
reached, one stands
examining the peak,
taking in the view
of the surrounding
countryside and then
noting the
automobile road up
the other side!