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Georg Cantor on Mathematics

1845–1918 Germany

← All quotes by Georg Cantor

7 quotes

In mathematics the art of asking questions is more valuable than solving problems.

There is no doubt that we cannot do without variable quantities in the sense of the potential infinite. But from this very fact the necessity of the actual infinite can be demonstrated.

Each potential infinite, if it is rigorously applicable mathematically, presupposes an actual infinite.

The fear of infinity is a form of myopia that destroys the possibility of seeing the actual infinite, even though it in its highest form has created and sustains us, and in its secondary transfinite forms occurs all around us and even inhabits our minds.

Infinity and the Mind (1995)

The essence of mathematics lies entirely in its freedom.

The potential infinite means nothing other than an undetermined, variable quantity, always remaining finite, which has to assume values that either become smaller than any finite limit no matter how small, or greater than any finite limit no matter how great.

I believe that there is no part of matter which is not — I do not say divisible — but actually divisible; and consequently the least particle ought to be considered as a world full of an infinity of different creatures.

Out of the Mouths of Mathematicians : A Quotation Book for Philomaths (1993)

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Georg Cantor (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.