Mathematics knows no races or geographic boundaries; for mathematics, the cultural world is one country.

We do not master a scientific theory until we have shelled and completely prised free its mathematical kernel.

Physics is becoming too difficult for the physicists.

A mathematical problem should be difficult in order to entice us, yet not completely inaccessible, lest it mock at our efforts. It should be to us a guide post on the mazy paths to hidden truths, and ultimately a reminder of our pleasure in the successful solution.

The art of doing mathematics consists in finding that special case which contains all the germs of generality.

How thoroughly it is ingrained in mathematical science that every real advance goes hand in hand with the invention of sharper tools and simpler methods which, at the same time, assist in understanding earlier theories and in casting aside some more complicated developments.

Wir mussen wissen. Wir werden wissen. We must know. We will know. Inscribed on his tomb in Gilttingen.