TITLE: Gauss's views on pure mathematics
QUESTION [13 upvotes]: According to Wikipedia's entry on Gauss:
"Though Gauss had been up to that point supported by the stipend from the Duke, he doubted the security of this arrangement, and also did not believe pure mathematics to be important enough to deserve support"
As a mathematician, I find, rather obviously this opinion to be very shocking (especially coming from Gauss himself).
Wikipedia does not give any sources related to the quote above. Is there any reference, or evidence for Gauss holding such a position?

REPLY [12 votes]: In his letter to Zimmermann (March 12, 1797; Werke X), Gauss wrote
May God give the noble Duke a long life, and what may Science expect from him since he
deems a work that is only a little interesting not unworthy of his support; how much I
wish that I could present a work that is more profitable for society [serving the public
good] or more excellent.
Gauss was talking about the Duke's support for printing his Disquisitiones Arithmeticae.