This seems to be the result of believing the extrinsic value of mathematics being the proofs and theorems.
If we follow the argument by OP, it says that the extrinsic value comes from any serious attempt to understand anything in mathematics. I think OP would agree with you that playful exploration should be possible.
However, that exploration should also be useful to mathematics itself if you want mathematicians to support it.
If we follow the argument by OP, it says that the extrinsic value comes from any serious attempt to understand anything in mathematics. I think OP would agree with you that playful exploration should be possible.
However, that exploration should also be useful to mathematics itself if you want mathematicians to support it.