The calculus was the first achievement of modern mathematics and it is difficult to overestimate its importance. I think it defines more unequivocally than anything else the inception of modern mathematics; and the system of mathematical analysis, which is its logical development, still constitutes the greatest technical advance in exact thinking.

Technological possibilities are irresistible to man. If man can go to the moon, he will. If he can control the climate, he will.

There's no sense in being precise when you don't even know what you're talking about.

The sciences do not try to explain, they hardly even try to interpret, they mainly make models. By a model is meant a mathematical construct which, with the addition of certain verbal interpretations, describes observed phenomena. The justification of such a mathematical construct is solely and precisely that it is expected to work-that is, correctly to describe phenomena from a reasonably wide area.

With four parameters I can fit an elephant, and with five I can make him wiggle his trunk.

If people do not believe that mathematics is simple, it is only because they do not realize how complicated life is.

You don't have to be responsible for the world that you're in.