For anyone interested in learning more about this cultural divide within mathematics -- theory building versus problem solving -- Fields medalist Tim Gowers has an interesting article: <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.dpmms.cam.ac.uk&#x2F;~wtg10&#x2F;2cultures.pdf" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.dpmms.cam.ac.uk&#x2F;~wtg10&#x2F;2cultures.pdf</a>.<p>People I talk to are often surprised to learn that there is quite a bit of snobbery within mathematics on this issue.  Mostly people in theory-heavy subjects looking down on areas that revolve more around problem solving.  Of course, it&#x27;s academia, so it surprises me that anyone is surprised that there are turf wars and snobbery.