The underlying assumption here is that "mathematical" implies "quantitative" and excludes "qualitative". The same mistake was made by 19th century mathematicians who felt that only arithmetic was rigorous enough for calculus (the arithmetization of analysis) and geometry (algebraic geometry). This mistake hasn't been corrected yet, even though it's been over 100 years since Poincare invented topology, which is all qualitative. The quantitative determinism of 19th century mechanics also has given way to qualitative dynamical systems theory [again pioneered by Poincare and forgotten for 70 years... a real tragedy].

Topology blows my mind away. Algebraic geometry (especially the kind where you just write down equations and churn) bores me to tears. Most of what passes for advanced mathematical economics is hardly advanced or beautiful math, and certainly not qualitative.

guaranteed to evoke a violent reaction from police is to challenge their right to "define the situation." --- David Graeber citing Marc Cooper