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The sciences do not try to explain, they hardly even try to interpret, they mainly make models. By a model is meant a mathematical construct which, with the addition of certain verbal interpretations, describes observed phenomena. The justification of such a mathematical construct is solely and precisely that it is expected to work.

— John von Neumann

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More quotes by John von Neumann

Any one who considers arithmetical methods of producing random digits is, of course, in a state of sin.

If people do not believe that mathematics is simple, it is only because they do not realize how complicated life is.

With four parameters I can fit an elephant, and with five I can make him wiggle his trunk.

Young man, in mathematics you don't understand things. You just get used to them.

When we talk mathematics, we may be discussing a secondary language built on the primary language of the nervous system.

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