“Guided only by their feeling for symmetry, simplicity, and generality . . . creative mathematicians now, as in the past, are inspired by the art of mathematics rather than by any prospect of ultimate usefulness.”
Eric Temple Bell
“Since the mathematicians have invaded the theory of relativity, I do not understand it myself anymore.”
Albert Einstein
“The only way to comprehend what mathematicians mean by Infinity is to contemplate the extent of human stupidity.”
Voltaire
“Mathematicians, who are only mathematicians, have exact minds, provided all things are explained to them by means of definitions and axioms; otherwise they are inaccurate and insufferable, for they are only right when the principles are quite clear”
Blaise Pascal
“I have hardly ever known a mathematician who was capable of reasoning”
Plato
“The danger already exists that mathematicians have made a covenant with the devil to darken the spirit and confine man in the bonds of Hell”
Saint Augustine
“...beware of mathematicians, and all those who make empty prophecies. The danger already exists that the mathematicians have made a covenant with the devil to darken the spirit and to confine man in the bonds of Hell.”
