Meaning: The quote "But I was thinking of a way To multiply by ten, And always, in the answer, get The question back again" is a thought-provoking and enigmatic statement by the renowned author Lewis Carroll. Best known for his literary works such as "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass," Carroll was a master of wordplay, logic, and paradoxes. This quote encapsulates Carroll's fascination with mathematical puzzles and nonsensical logic, characteristic of his writing style.

At first glance, the quote appears to be a playful riddle or a mathematical conundrum. Carroll's mention of multiplying by ten and receiving the question back in the answer suggests a cyclical or recursive pattern, where the answer perpetually leads back to the initial question. This notion challenges traditional notions of arithmetic and logic, inviting readers to contemplate the nature of multiplication and its relationship to the concept of self-reference.

In the context of Carroll's body of work, this quote aligns with his penchant for creating whimsical and mind-bending scenarios that defy conventional reasoning. Throughout his writing, Carroll often employed mathematical and logical paradoxes to confound and delight his audience, blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination. The quote can be seen as a manifestation of Carroll's fascination with the absurd and the infinite loop of self-reference, a theme that permeates his literary creations.

From a philosophical perspective, Carroll's quote evokes concepts of recursion, self-referentiality, and the nature of truth. The idea of multiplying by ten and obtaining the question back in the answer raises questions about the nature of knowledge and understanding. It prompts contemplation on whether certain questions and answers are inherently intertwined, perpetually looping back on themselves without clear resolution.

Moreover, the quote can be interpreted as a metaphor for the recursive nature of inquiry and discovery. In the pursuit of knowledge, individuals often find themselves circling back to fundamental questions, continuously seeking deeper understanding and insight. Carroll's words capture this iterative process of intellectual exploration, where each new answer leads to further questioning and contemplation.

In the realm of mathematics, the quote may be viewed as a playful nod to the concept of self-referential numbers or equations. Self-referential numbers, such as the famous "self-referential sentence" in mathematics, possess properties that lead to paradoxical or recursive interpretations. Carroll's quote resonates with the spirit of mathematical playfulness and the fascination with patterns and structures that loop back on themselves.

In conclusion, Lewis Carroll's quote "But I was thinking of a way To multiply by ten, And always, in the answer, get The question back again" encapsulates the author's affinity for playful paradoxes, enigmatic riddles, and the intertwining of logic and imagination. Through this quote, Carroll invites readers to embark on a journey of contemplation, challenging traditional modes of thinking and prompting reflection on the recursive nature of questions and answers. Whether approached from a literary, philosophical, or mathematical perspective, Carroll's words continue to intrigue and inspire those who encounter them, showcasing the enduring appeal of his whimsical and thought-provoking literary legacy.