Whenever a theory appears to you as the only possible one, take this as a sign that you have neither understood the theory nor the problem which it was intended to solve.

The method of science depends on our attempts to describe the world with simple theories: theories that are complex may become untestable, even if they happen to be true. Science may be described as the art of systematic over-simplification-the art of discerning what we may with advantage omit.

We hate the very idea that our own ideas may be mistaken, so we cling dogmatically to our conjectures.

Instead of encouraging the student to devote himself to his studies for the sake of studying, instead of encouraging in him a real love for his subject and for inquiry, he is encouraged to study for the sake of his personal career; he is led to acquire only such knowledge as is serviceable in getting him over the hurdles which he must clear for the sake of his advancement.

True ignorance is not the absence of knowledge, but the refusal to acquire it.

All we can do is search for the falsity content in our best theory.

I have spoken to Einstein and he admitted to me that his theory was in fact no different from the one of Parmenides.