I have only two rules which I regard as principles of conduct. The first is: Have no rules. The second is: Be independent of the opinion of others.
Most mistakes in philosophy and logic occur because the human mind is apt to take the symbol for the reality.
Peace comes through understanding.
The word God is for me nothing more than the expression and product of human weaknesses.
I have become an obstinate heretic in the eyes of my colleagues. Momentary success carries more power of conviction than reflections upon principles.
I must seem like an ostrich who forever burries its head in the relativistic sands in order not to face the evil quanta.
Formerly, people thought that if matter disappeared from the universe, space and time would remain. Relativity declares that space and time would disappear with matter.
We cannot despair about mankind knowing that Mozart was a man.
When I think of the most able students I have encountered in my teaching – I mean those who have distinguished themselves not only by skill but by independence of thought – then I must confess that all have had a lively interest in epistemology.
Any brief military advantage the USA might gain with nuclear weapons would be offset by political and psychological losses and damage to American prestige. The United States might even touch off a worldwide armaments race.
Empathy is patiently and sincerely seeing the world through the other person’s eyes. It is not learned in school; it is cultivated over a lifetime.
I know that the most joy in my life has come to me from my violin.
I refuse to make money out of my science. My laurel is not for sale like so many bales of cotton.
Don’t second guess the mistakes you’ve made, others will do that for you. Make things as simple as possible, but not simpler.
Information is not knowledge. The only source of knowledge is experience. You need experience to gain wisdom.
It is the same with people as it is with riding a bike. Only when moving can one comfortably maintain one’s balance.
There is possibility in every difficulty.
When a man points a finger at someone else, he should remember that three of his fingers are pointing at himself. Do not worry about your difficulties in mathematics; I can assure you that mine are still greater.
Live life to the fullest. You have to color outside the lines once in a while if you want to make your life a masterpiece. Laugh some every day. Keep growing, keep dreaming, keep following your heart. The important thing is not to stop questioning.
Insofar as mathematics is true, it does not describe the real world. Insofar as it describes the real world, it is not true.