One would have to have completely forgotten the history of science so as to not remember that the desire to know nature has had the most constant and the happiest influence on the development of mathematics.

Quote by Henri Poincare

Topics: Henri Poincare Quotes

Mathematics is the art of giving the same name to different things.

Mathematics is the art of giving the same name to different things.

Facts do not speak.

Facts do not speak.

Just as houses are made of stones, so is science made of facts.

Just as houses are made of stones, so is science made of facts.

It has adopted the geometry most advantageous to the species or, in other words, the...

It has adopted the geometry most advantageous to the species or, in other words, the...

If that enabled us to predict the succeeding situation with the same approximation, that is...

If that enabled us to predict the succeeding situation with the same approximation, that is...

It is the harmony of the diverse parts, their symmetry, their happy balance; in a...

It is the harmony of the diverse parts, their symmetry, their happy balance; in a...

Absolute space, that is to say, the mark to which it would be necessary to...

Absolute space, that is to say, the mark to which it would be necessary to...

It is far better to foresee even without certainty than not to foresee at all.

It is far better to foresee even without certainty than not to foresee at all.

Invention consists in avoiding the constructing of useless contraptions and in constructing the useful combinations...

Invention consists in avoiding the constructing of useless contraptions and in constructing the useful combinations...

A small error in the former will produce an enormous error in the latter.

A small error in the former will produce an enormous error in the latter.

Geometry is not true, it is advantageous.

Geometry is not true, it is advantageous.

Science is facts.

Science is facts.

Need we add that mathematicians themselves are not infallible?

Need we add that mathematicians themselves are not infallible?

The scientist does not study nature because it is useful; he studies it because he...

The scientist does not study nature because it is useful; he studies it because he...

To invent is to discern, to choose.

To invent is to discern, to choose.

Mathematicians do not study objects, but relations between objects.

Mathematicians do not study objects, but relations between objects.

A very small cause which escapes our notice determines a considerable effect that we cannot...

A very small cause which escapes our notice determines a considerable effect that we cannot...

It is through science that we prove, but through intuition that we discover.

It is through science that we prove, but through intuition that we discover.

If we knew exactly the laws of nature and the situation of the universe at...

If we knew exactly the laws of nature and the situation of the universe at...

A sane mind should not be guilty of a logical fallacy, yet there are very...

A sane mind should not be guilty of a logical fallacy, yet there are very...