"...Predict the future?"
Stroking the thick beard covering his chin, Perelman frowned and said, "What does that have to do with mathematics?"
Scholze nodded as well, looking in bewilderment at Albert, who had risen from the sofa. "With all due respect, that sounds more like a concept you'd find in a Hollywood blockbuster."
"Of course it has something to do with mathematics!" Albert answered excitedly. "Predicting the future through mathematical methods-that's exactly what we're working on!"
Silence fell over the apartment again.
Looking thoroughly exasperated, Krugman reached out and tugged at Albert, but Albert ignored his warning and shook off his hand. He continued staring intently at Perelman, hoping to win his approval.
However...
His hopes clearly came to nothing.
This time, not only Perelman but Scholze as well wore a strange expression.
As though they were looking at an idiot...
"I think you're getting carried away."
Scholze gave a light cough, breaking the silence in the room, then continued explaining his thoughts.
"Predicting the future is beyond the scope of mathematics. I don't think it even falls under physics. I'd say it's already in the realm of philosophy. After all, look at how many uncertain factors can influence our thoughts. Even we ourselves often waver. For example, if it had rained today, perhaps I wouldn't have come here-"
"But weather can be predicted! A change in one person's itinerary is difficult to anticipate, but the movements of a group can be forecast. New York City's traffic data and weather forecasts over the past five years all support my point!"
Cutting Scholze off forcefully, Albert continued in a firm, excited voice, "Human beings aren't fundamentally different from dust suspended in water. We're constantly moving most of the time, too. The only difference is that the disturbances acting on us aren't