The realization that even man-made creations, as well as what seemed inherent in the design of nature, proved to be extraordinarily applicable soon became an argument for a totally new approach to mathematics. Why should this not happen with future free creation of the mind? Hence, many mathematicians concluded, it was not necessary to undertake problems of the real world. Man-made mathematics, concocted solely from ideas springing up in the human mind would surely prove useful. In fact, pure thought, unhindered by adherence to physical happening, might do far better. Human imagination, freed of any restrictions, might create even more powerful theories that would also find applications to the understanding and mastery of nature. (p. 282)
