I will not go so far as to say that to construct a history of thought without profound study of the mathematical ideas of successive epochs is like omitting Hamlet from the play which is named after him. That would be claiming too much. But it is certainly analogous to cutting out the part of Ophelia. This simile is singularly exact. For Ophelia is quite essential to the play, she is very charming . . . and a little mad.
Alfred North WhiteheadNature, even in the act of satisfying anticipation, often provides a surprise.
Alfred North WhiteheadFrom the moment of birth we are immersed in action, and can only fitfully guide it by taking thought.
Alfred North Whitehead