"Metageometry has always proved attractive to erratic minds. Among the professional mathematicians, however, those who were averse to philosophical speculation looked upon it with deep distrust, and therefore either avoided it altogether or rewarded its labors with bitter sarcasm. Prominent mathematicians did not care to risk their reputation, and consequently many valuable thoughts remained unpublished. Even Gauss did not care to speak out boldly, but communicated his thoughts to his most intimate friends under the seal of secrecy, not unlike a religious teacher who fears the odor of heresy. He did not mean to suppress his thoughts, but he did not want to bring them before the public unless in mature shape."