" A suggestion had been made to me looking toward a professorship in some Western college, but after due consideration, I declined to consider the matter. "
- Simon Newcomb

In the given statement, Simon Newcomb expresses his decision regarding an offer made to him for a professorship at a Western college. He had been proposed this position but after careful thought, he declined the opportunity.

The deeper meaning of Newcomb's words reveals much about the values and priorities that guided him in his career decisions. By choosing not to accept the professorship, Newcomb demonstrates an adherence to personal principles and perhaps a commitment to other aspects of his work or life that were more important to him at that time. This decision also suggests a level of self-awareness and integrity, as he considered the implications of such a significant change before ultimately declining it. The quote encapsulates a moment where Newcomb prioritized what truly mattered in his professional journey over an external opportunity.

Simon Newcomb was a prominent American mathematician, astronomer, and author who lived from 1835 to 1909. He made substantial contributions to various fields including mathematics, celestial mechanics, and economics. Known for his meticulous approach and profound intellect, Newcomb's work significantly influenced the understanding of astronomical phenomena during his lifetime.