Mathematical Quotations -- J


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Jacobi, Carl

It is true that Fourier had the opinion that the principal aim of mathematics was public utility and explanation of natural phenomena; but a philosopher like him should have known that the sole end of science is the honor of the human mind, and that under this title a question about numbers is worth as much as a question about the system of the world.
In N. Rose Mathematical Maxims and Minims, Raleigh NC:Rome Press Inc., 1988.

God ever arithmetizes.
In H. Eves Mathematical Circles Revisited, Boston: Prindle, Weber and Schmidt, 1971.

One should always generalize.
(Man muss immer generalisieren)
In P. Davis and R. Hersh The Mathematical Experience, Boston: Birkhäuser, 1981.

The real end of science is the honor of the human mind.
In H. Eves In Mathematical Circles, Boston: Prindle, Weber and Schmidt, 1969.

It is often more convenient to possess the ashes of great men than to possess the men themselves during their lifetime.
[Commenting on the return of Descartes' remains to France]
In H. Eves Mathematical Circles Adieu, Boston: Prindle, Weber and Schmidt, 1977.

Mathematics is the science of what is clear by itself.
In J. R. Newman (ed.) The World of Mathematics, New York: Simon and Schuster, 1956.


James, William (1842 - 1910)

The union of the mathematician with the poet, fervor with measure, passion with correctness, this surely is the ideal.
Collected Essays.


Jeans, Sir James

The essential fact is that all the pictures which science now draws of nature, and which alone seem capable of according with observational facts, are mathematical pictures.
In J. R. Newman (ed.) The World of Mathematics, New York: Simon and Schuster, 1956.

From the intrinsic evidence of his creation, the Great Architect of the Universe now begins to appear as a pure mathematician.
Mysterious Universe.


Jefferson, Thomas

...the science of calculation also is indispensable as far as the extraction of the square and cube roots: Algebra as far as the quadratic equation and the use of logarithms are often of value in ordinary cases: but all beyond these is but a luxury; a delicious luxury indeed; but not be in indulged in by one who is to have a profession to follow for his subsistence.
In J. Robert Oppenheimer "The Encouragement of Science" in I. Gordon and S. Sorkin (eds.) The Armchair Science Reader, New York: Simon and Schuster, 1959.


Jevons, William Stanley

It is clear that Economics, if it is to be a science at all, must be a mathematical science.
Theory of Political Economy.


Johnson, Samuel (1709-1784)

Sir, I have found you an argument. I am not obliged to find you an understanding.
J. Boswell The Life of SamuelJohnson, 1784.


Jowett, Benjamin (1817 - 1893)

Logic is neither a science or an art, but a dodge.
In J. R. Newman (ed.) The World of Mathematics, New York: Simon and Schuster, 1956.


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