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[Mathematics is] the science that draws necessary conclusions.

— Benjamin Peirce

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Mathematics

More quotes by Benjamin Peirce

Mathematics is the science which draws necessary conclusions.

Linear Associative Algebra (1882)

Gentlemen, that is surely true, it is absolutely paradoxical; we cannot understand it, and we don't know what it means. But we have proved it, and therefore we know it must be the truth.

Symbols are essential to comprehensive argument.

On the Uses and Transformations of Linear Algebra (1875)

When the formulas admit of intelligible interpretation, they are accessions to knowledge; but independently of their interpretation they are invaluable as symbolical expressions of thought.

On the Uses and Transformations of Linear Algebra (1875)

Mathematics, under this definition, belongs to every enquiry, moral as well as physical.

Linear Associative Algebra (1882)

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Anyone who believes exponential growth can go on forever in a finite world is either a madman or an economist.

Kenneth Boulding to Kenneth Boulding in: United States. Congress. House (1973)

If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is: infinite.

William Blake The Marriage of Heaven and Hell (1790)

Pure mathematics consists entirely of assertions to the effect that, if such and such a proposition is true of anything, then such and such another proposition is true of that thing.

Bertrand Russell

The land of easy mathematics where he who works adds up and he who retires subtracts.

Núria Añó

Attribution

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