On: Counterexample to Euler's conjecture on sums of li...

[kmiroslav]

> though a counterexample to a conjecture, does not advance mathematical theory in any way.

[I realize it's sarcasm but in case it's not clear to everyone, I'll speak my mind about it]

I think it's a pretty serious advancement. Confirming a conjecture is just as important as invalidating it with a counter example. It doesn't matter if that counter example fits on one line.

[vostok → kmiroslav]

Maybe my mind is warped, but I actually agree with that. The conjecture isn't the point. There are plenty of interesting counterexamples, but a direct search does nothing to advance mathematics.

[ipsin → vostok]

It advances mathematics by saving the time of people who might otherwise try to prove a false conjecture?