Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas. ... [By seeking] logical beauty spiritual formulas are discovered necessary for the deeper penetration into the laws of nature.
Albert EinsteinTo the extent math refers to reality, we are not certain to the extent we are certain, math does not refer to reality.
Albert EinsteinMy interest in science was always essentially limited to the study of principles.... That I have published so little is due to this same circumstance, as the great need to grasp principles has caused me to spend most of my time on fruitless pursuits.
Albert Einstein