The language that nature speaks is the same language that we invented for mathematics. That's just an amazing piece of luck, which we don't understand.

The Besicovitch style is architectural. He builds out of simply elements a delicate and complicated architectural structure, usually with a hierarchical plan, and then, when the building is finished, the completed structure leads by simple arguments to an unexpected conclusion. Every Besicovitch proof is a work of art, as carefully constructed as a Bach fugue.

Of course, long-distance running has to do with the fact that we're hunters.

Do not imagine that you have to know everything before you can do anything. My own best work was done when I was most ignorant.

I'm happy that I've raised six kids, and not one of them is a Ph.D.

It's as great a part of the human adventure to invent things as to understand them. John Randall wasn't a great scientist, but he was a great inventor. There's been lots more like him, and it's a shame they don't get Nobel Prizes.

A model is such a fascinating toy that you fall in love with your creation.