How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Good Will Hunting.
Quote #7
LAMBEAU: He had no access to any scientific work. But he came across this old math text. And from this simple text, he was able to extrapolate theories that had baffled mathematicians for years.
One of Professor Lambeau's great heroes is a man from India named Ramanujan, who apparently had no formal education. All he had was a math textbook, and he was so intelligent that he could create some of the most advanced math ever just from what he learned in the textbook.
Quote #8
LAMBEAU: Now this… this Ramanujan, his—his genius was unparalleled, Sean. Now this boy is just like that.
The whole reason Lambeau tells the story of Ramanujan is because he wants to explain to Maguire just how special he thinks Will is. Lambeau thinks that Will is the kind of genius who comes around once every few centuries, and he honestly doesn't care if Will has a few emotional problems. He wants Will to contribute to the world of math as much as possible so the world can reap the benefits.
Quote #9
LAMBEAU: Don't infect him with the idea that it's okay to quit, that it's okay to be a failure. Because it's not okay, Sean.
Lambeau is the one who brings Will to Maguire for help. But he's also worried that Maguire will teach Will that it's okay to accept himself no matter what he does. Lambeau doesn't believe that happiness is everything. He thinks that the worst thing in life is wasted potential, regardless of whether someone is happy.