He says his primary interest remains philosophy, which is probably why the subject comes up so often in the new book.

The Kaplans say they have high hopes for the future of the Math Circle. They’d love to expand the program and predict that their current book tour will increase interest.

Their main obstacle remains finding teachers. Some Harvard graduate students participate, but there is still a shortage because the type of teacher they want is unique.

“You need someone who knows their stuff but doesn’t say so,” Robert says. “At this point, we’re thinking of reshaping humanists.”

The Kaplans say they receive numerous e-mails about starting Math Circles in other cities. While they say they support the idea, they add that they’re hesitant to give too much advice apart from the ground rules about environment. However, those seeking more wisdom from the Math Circle will have a new Kaplan tome to peruse in 2004, entitled Out of the Labyrinth: Mathematics Set Free.

After speaking to a crowd of about 50 earlier this month at a Wordsworth Books appearance in support of The Art of the Infinite, the Kaplans embarked on a national book tour this week.

During their tour, the Math Circle will be under the direction of James Tanton, who teaches several courses with the Kaplans at the Harvard Extension School.

In the future, Robert says that the Math Circle’s courses may be put under the authority of the Extension School. While he says he’s somewhat wary of making them so “official,” he admits “you have to know when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em.”

The Kaplans say they plan to continue their mission of opening mathematics up to ever expanding audiences.

“The pleasures are so enormous and no one knows about it,” says Robert. It’s our lost native language…it’s our connection to truth.”