Due to the commercialization of science and technology, there is ev- idence of paying attention to research with immediate applications and benefits by politicians. Furthermore, unrealistic requests are made regarding the direct applicability of results in mathematics, a circumstance that may negatively affect all basic and theoretical studies. This paper not only shows that the distinction between pure and applied mathematics is historically and practically unnecessary and unhelpful but also emphasizes this romantic idea that pure and applied mathe- maticians should constitute a community and work together to change politicians’ minds.

Keywords