When I was in school I liked math because all the problems had answers. Everything else seemed very subjective.

You have to be careful when you use beauty as a guide. There are many theories people didn't think were beautiful at the time but did find beautiful later—and vice versa. I think simplicity is a good guide: The more economical a theory, the better.

We certainly don't yet know all the answers. But the universe is about to be pried open.

Scientific research involves going beyond the well-trodden and well-tested ideas and theories that form the core of scientific knowledge. During the time scientists are working things out, some results will be right, and others will be wrong. Over time, the right results will emerge.

Speculation and the exploration of ideas beyond what we know with certainty are what lead to progress.

Both religions and musicals work best with energetic and committed believers. Cynicism or detachment would have destroyed the magic - something true of religion, too.

One of the nice things about math and science is it’s obvious, you get the answer or you don’t get the answer.