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The actual infinite arises in three contexts: first when it is realized in the most complete form, in a fully independent otherworldly being, in Deo, where I call it the Absolute Infinite or simply Absolute; second when it occurs in the contingent, created world; third when the mind grasps it in abstracto as a mathematical magnitude, number or order type.

— Georg Cantor Mind Tools: The Five Levels of Mathematical Reality (1988)

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More quotes by Georg Cantor

My theory stands as firm as a rock; every arrow directed against it will return quickly to its archer.

Journey Through Genius (1990)

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.

Had Mittag-Leffler had his way, I should have to wait until the year 1984, which to me seemed too great a demand!

Letter (1885)

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

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Georg Cantor (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.