The first test of potential in mathematics is whether you can get anything out of geometry.

A Miscellany is a collection without a natual ordering relation.

It is true that I should have been surprised in the past to learn that Professor Hardy had joined the Oxford Group. But one could not say the adverse chance was 1:10. Mathematics is a dangerous profession; an appreciable proportion of us go mad, and then this particular event would be quite likely.

We come finally, however, to the relation of the ideal theory to real world, or "real" probability. If he is consistent a man of the mathematical school washes his hands of applications. To someone who wants them he would say that the ideal system runs parallel to the usual theory: "If this is what you want, try it: it is not my business to justify application of the system; that can only be done by philosophizing; I am a mathematician". In practice he is apt to say: "try this; if it works that will justify it".

The first lecture of each new year renews for most people a light stage fright.

The referee said it was not acceptable, but the Press considered they could not refuse to publish a book by a professor of the university.

A good mathematical joke is better, and better mathematics, than a dozen mediocre papers.