Some quotes illustrate these characteristics. Halmos takes group photos of all his classes. Some day one of you is going to do something spectacular. I'll be able to point to this picture and say, 'See. Efficiency is meaningless.
Understanding is what counts.
They would enjoy life more, they would understand life more, they would have greater insight. Halmos is a consummate professional. But we do know what it means to be professional. Halmos thinks that is the greatest compliment you can pay him. An Automathography by Paul R. Halmos, Springer-Verlag, 1985.