"I've met quite a few with more talent for abstract thought than some math professors."
Such a statement can be made about almost any two fields.
I suspect "quite a few" is either hyperbole to strengthen your point or you suffer from the dunning-kruger effect.
All the parent comment says is that its good that two fields that are conventionally thought to be orthogonal have cross-pollination of knowledge. Nothing about "abstract thought" or intelligence is mentioned and is your own insecurity coming through.
Such a statement can be made about almost any two fields.
I suspect "quite a few" is either hyperbole to strengthen your point or you suffer from the dunning-kruger effect.
All the parent comment says is that its good that two fields that are conventionally thought to be orthogonal have cross-pollination of knowledge. Nothing about "abstract thought" or intelligence is mentioned and is your own insecurity coming through.