Comment by aledevv

I propose a further and different "key to understanding."

I would add: the second thing to decide, besides the scale, is the Plan.

What do we mean, for example, by the "Ethical Plan." By ethical plan, I mean the purpose... "WHAT do I use mathematics for"?

Mathematics can be something immensely BIG if I use it for something important. Or it can be miserably SMALL if I use it for something petty and trivial.

In short: even in this case, greatness depends not only on the scale, but also on the eyes of the beholder, on the Context in which it is applied, and, why not?, also on the Purpose and the ethical plan.

If mathematics were, for example, something at the service of Justice, it would be something immensely Big.