Learning to think fruitfully about mathematics involves the acceptance of maths on its own terms, a willingness to think things through to their logical conclusion, and a kind of free-wheeling state of mind. At least that is how it seems to me. Even as a child I would sometimes ponder mathematics stripped of any particular application and try to look it square in the eye as it were. I am an openly pure mathematician, meaning that I am primarily interested in mathematics itself. I will recount some personal episodes that led me to become a professional mathematician and then explain something about the kind of research I do. It turns out that if you discover something new in mathematics it can often lead to new applications. In my own case, I will tell the story of my invention of Circular Sudoku in 2006 and how what I knew turned out to relate to a topic known as Burrows-Wheeler transformations, which are important in data compression and transmission. Time permitting, I will also invite the audience to join me on a couple of detours along the way. ========== The London Mathematical Society has, since 1865, been the UK's learned society for the advancement, dissemination and promotion of mathematical knowledge. Our mission is to advance mathematics through our members and the broader scientific community worldwide. For further information: ► Website: https://www.lms.ac.uk/ ► Events: https://www.lms.ac.uk/events ► Grants and Prizes: https://www.lms.ac.uk/grants-prizes ► Publications: https://www.lms.ac.uk/publications ► Membership: https://www.lms.ac.uk/membership Follow us: ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/LondMathSoc ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/londonmathematicalsociety ► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-london-mathematical-society/ ► Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvp7jsbXjx2k8sGEkdtWCAw