Full Idea
Like every great poet, Mallarmé was engaged in a tacit rivalry with mathematics.
Gist of Idea
All great poetry is engaged in rivalry with mathematics
Source
Alain Badiou (Mathematics and Philosophy: grand and little [2004], p.20)
Book Reference
Badiou,Alain: 'Theoretical Writings' [Continuum 2006], p.20
A Reaction
I love these French pronouncements! Would Mallarmé have agreed? If poetry and mathematics are the poles, where is philosophy to be found?