Leonhard Euler

Mathematics Swiss 1707 – 1783 338 quotes

Most prolific mathematician in history

Quotes by Leonhard Euler

Mathematicians have tried in vain to this day to discover some order in the sequence of prime numbers, and we have reason to believe that it is a mystery into which the human mind will never penetrate.

Letter to Christian Goldbach 1742

For since the fabric of the universe is most perfect, and is the work of a most wise Creator, nothing whatsoever takes place in the universe in which some relation of maximum or minimum does not appear.

Methodus inveniendi lineas curvas 1744

Nothing is better than eternity. Eternity is better than anything. Therefore, nothing is better than nothing.

Anecdotal remark

If a triangle were isosceles, it would have two equal sides.

Logical demonstration

We have therefore found a square number which is the sum of two other square numbers, namely 50 = 49 + 1 = 7² + 1².

Vollständige Anleitung zur Algebra 1772

The greatest mathematicians, as Archimedes, Newton, and Gauss, always united theory and applications in equal measure.

Attributed reflection

In the works of Archimedes, we already find a clear distinction between pure and applied mathematics.

Historical commentary

The properties of the equilateral triangle are so remarkable that they deserve to be investigated more deeply.

Elementa doctrinae solidorum 1758

I now have ample leisure for mathematical studies, and I shall continue them with renewed vigor.

Letter after becoming blind 1771

The infinite! No other question has ever moved so profoundly the spirit of man.

Attributed saying

Read Euler, read Euler, he is the master of us all.

Attributed to Laplace

One can imagine a time when the series of prime numbers will be as well understood as the harmonics of music.

Speculative remark

The doctrine of series is the foundation of analysis.

Introductio in analysin infinitorum 1748

In mathematics, as in life, the shortest path is not always the straight line.

Philosophical reflection

The number e is the foundation of natural logarithms and exponential growth.

Introductio in analysin infinitorum 1748

π is the most remarkable constant in mathematics.

Attributed observation

The Euler identity e^{iπ} + 1 = 0 unites the most fundamental constants of mathematics.

Introductio in analysin infinitorum 1748

Blindness has not hindered my work; my mind's eye sees clearly.

Personal letter 1771

The study of numbers is the noblest pursuit of the human intellect.

Attributed aphorism

In the calculus of variations, we seek the path of least action.

Methodus inveniendi lineas curvas 1744