What makes the theory of relativity so acceptable to physicists in spite of its going against the principle of simplicity is its great mathematical beauty. This is a quality which cannot be defined, any more than beauty in art can be defined, but which people who study mathematics usually have no difficulty in appreciating.
Paul DiracI think it is the general rule that the originator of a new idea is not the most suitable person to develop it, because his fears of something going wrong are really too strong... At age 69.
Paul DiracA theory with mathematical beauty is more likely to be correct than an ugly one that fits some experimental data.
Paul DiracIf we are honest - and scientists have to be - we must admit that religion is a jumble of false assertions, with no basis in reality.
Paul Dirac