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Inspired by this question...

Background

A friend and I have been meeting informally with a retired professor to do math on a weekly basis for several semesters now. He is a dear mentor to both of us. We would like to get him a Christmas present, but he is a very private person and rarely discusses his home life, so we know almost nothing about him outside of his mathematical interests. We could get him a book, but chances are good that he would already have it. (His library is enormous, and he's always bringing in obscure texts.)

Some possibilities:

  • A copy of The Emperor's Club? This is a movie about a teacher and his influence on his students. I'm worried that might be a bit cheesy or inappropriate.
  • Something mathematical, but more "popular" that he is less likely to have, like a film or a mathematics-strewn crime novel. (No textbooks!)
  • A pie with a $\pi$ carved in the crust.

We're really stumped.

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    @treble done - thank you!2012-12-24

3 Answers 3

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If I might make a suggestion.

I don't know the man, but the heartfelt words you expressed above say it all. If it were me, I would love to hear that from someone I've helped.

Perhaps finding a wonderful inspirational quote and then personalizing that with both your heartfelt sentiments would be worth gold to someone as they feel like they continue to pass on their good deeds!

I would even go as far as making it an inscription on a plaque of some sort. I would cherish such as thing forever and would display in a place of honor if I received that.

Both of you young people give us all hope!

"What you have been obliged to discover by yourself leaves a path in your mind which you can use again when the need arises." - G. C. Lichtenberg

Regards -A

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    @amWhy: This was a nice example of a wonderful professor for helping pass it along and for two very nice young people that give me hope! Regards2013-05-11
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This is actually a serious suggestion. Math and Sex has always been loved by everyone I have given it to. Nope there is nothing inappropriate in the book but the title does get everyone's attention. It is my favorite gift to give. I have given a copy to everyone.

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As a bit of shameless self promotion, might I suggest a randomly generated book, produced by Mathgen. It's unlikely he already has it!

(Full disclosure: it's my project, but I don't personally profit from book sales; all my proceeds are donated to the AMS.)