Meaning: The quote by Alonzo Church, a prominent mathematician and logician, reflects on his experience of attempting to read the works of David Hilbert, a renowned mathematician known for his significant contributions to various fields of mathematics. In his statement, Church acknowledges the difficulty in comprehending Hilbert's papers, particularly those that were published in mathematical periodicals. This quote provides insights into the challenging nature of mathematical literature and the intellectual rigor required to engage with advanced mathematical concepts.

David Hilbert, a German mathematician, is widely regarded as one of the most influential mathematicians of the 19th and 20th centuries. His work spanned various areas of mathematics, including algebraic number theory, invariant theory, and mathematical logic. Hilbert's contributions to mathematics were profound, and his impact on the development of the discipline cannot be overstated.

Alonzo Church, the author of the quote, was a distinguished mathematician and logician known for his work on the foundations of mathematics and the development of the lambda calculus, a formal system in mathematical logic and computer science. Church's recognition of the difficulty in understanding Hilbert's papers underscores the formidable intellectual challenges that mathematicians often encounter when grappling with advanced mathematical texts.

When Church mentions that only Hilbert's papers published in mathematical periodicals were available at the time, he alludes to the limited accessibility of scholarly literature during his era. This scarcity of resources may have posed additional hurdles for mathematicians seeking to engage with the latest research and developments in the field. The quote highlights the importance of access to comprehensive and diverse sources of mathematical literature for the advancement of mathematical knowledge and scholarship.

The phrase "very hard reading" used by Church to describe Hilbert's papers conveys the profound level of complexity and sophistication present in the content. It suggests that the material was not easily comprehensible and required a high degree of mathematical proficiency and perseverance to navigate and understand. The challenges posed by such advanced mathematical literature underscore the rigor and depth of mathematical inquiry, as well as the demanding nature of mathematical research and scholarship.

In contemporary mathematical scholarship, the difficulties highlighted by Church in understanding Hilbert's work continue to resonate. Mathematical research often involves grappling with intricate concepts, abstract reasoning, and complex formalisms, all of which can present significant intellectual challenges to scholars and students alike. The quote serves as a reminder of the intellectual rigor and perseverance required to engage meaningfully with advanced mathematical literature and the ongoing pursuit of mathematical knowledge.

In conclusion, Alonzo Church's quote provides valuable insights into the formidable nature of mathematical literature, particularly the challenges associated with comprehending the works of influential mathematicians such as David Hilbert. The quote underscores the demanding intellectual rigor required to navigate advanced mathematical texts and highlights the importance of accessibility and comprehensiveness in scholarly resources for the advancement of mathematical knowledge and scholarship. It also serves as a testament to the enduring complexities and intellectual depth of mathematical inquiry, inspiring continued dedication to the pursuit of mathematical understanding and advancement.