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

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.

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...

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.

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.

If one looks at the different problems of the integral calculus which arise naturally when...

If one looks at the different problems of the integral calculus which arise naturally when...

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...

Geometry is not true, it is advantageous.

Geometry is not true, it is advantageous.

Thus, they are free to replace some objects by others so long as the relations...

Thus, they are free to replace some objects by others so long as the relations...

The mathematical facts worthy of being studied are those which, by their analogy with other...

The mathematical facts worthy of being studied are those which, by their analogy with other...

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...

Need we add that mathematicians themselves are not infallible?

Need we add that mathematicians themselves are not infallible?

Thought is only a flash between two long nights, but this flash is everything

Thought is only a flash between two long nights, but this flash is everything

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

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

Ideas rose in clouds; I felt them collide until pairs interlocked, so to speak, making...

Ideas rose in clouds; I felt them collide until pairs interlocked, so to speak, making...

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.

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...

Mathematicians do not study objects, but relations between objects.

Mathematicians do not study objects, but relations between objects.

Mathematical discoveries, small or great are never born of spontaneous generation.

Mathematical discoveries, small or great are never born of spontaneous generation.

To invent is to discern, to choose.

To invent is to discern, to choose.

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...