I have no particular talent. I am merely inquisitive. I maintain that cosmic religiousness is the strongest and most noble driving force of scientific research. One reason why mathematics enjoys special esteem, above all other sciences, is that its laws are absolutely certain and indisputable, while those of other sciences are to some extent debatable and in constant danger of being overthrown by newly discovered facts. I cannot believe that God would choose to play dice with the universe. Desire for approval and recognition is a healthy motive, but the desire to be acknowledged as better, stronger or more intelligent than a fellow being or fellow scholar easily leads to an excessively egoistic psychological adjustment, which may become injurious for the individual and for the community. An empty stomach is not a good political advisor. Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius -- and a lot of courage -- to move in the opposite direction. Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new. As far as I'm concerned, I prefer silent vice to ostentatious virtue. As far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they are not certain; and as far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality. |