I do not know an instance of a major mathematical advance initiated by a man past fifty

No one has yet discovered any warlike purpose to be served by the theory of numbers or relativity, and it seems unlikely that anyone will do so for many years.

Young men should prove theorems, old men should write books.

For my part, it is difficult for me to say what I owe to Ramanujan - his originality has been a constant source of suggestion to me ever since I knew him, and his death is one of the worst blows I have ever had.

There is no scorn more profound, or on the whole more justifiable, than that of the men who make for the men who explain.

A person’s first duty, a young person’s at any rate, is to be ambitious, and the noblest ambition is that of leaving behind something of permanent value.

For any serious purpose, intelligence is a very minor gift.