Our entire much-praised technological progress, and civilization generally, could be compared to an axe in the hand of a pathological criminal.

One feels the insignificance of the individual, and it makes one happy.

I don't believe in mathematics.

Everyone knew it was impossible, until a fool who didn't know came along and did it.

Even though the realms of religion and science in themselves are clearly marked off from each other, nevertheless there exist between the two strong reciprocal relationships and dependencies.

What is essential in the life of a man of my kind is what he thinks and how he thinks, and not what he does or suffers.

the scientist's religious feeling takes the form of a rapturous amazement at the harmony of natural law, which reveals an intelligence of such superiority that, compared with it, all the systematic thinking and acting of human beings is utterly insignificant reflection. This feeling is the guiding principle of his life and work, in so far as he succeeds in keeping himself from the shackles of selfish desire. It is beyond question closely akin to that which has possessed the religious geniuses of all ages.