Euclid of Alexandria

Mathematics Greek -325 – -265 267 quotes

Often referred to as the 'Father of Geometry,' his work 'Elements' is one of the most influential mathematical treatises in history.

Quotes by Euclid of Alexandria

Mathematics is the language in which God has written the universe.

Attributed, but likely apocryphal

The beauty of mathematics lies in its logical rigor and undeniable truths.

Implied by his work, not a direct quote

Through careful definition and axiomatic reasoning, we can unlock the secrets of the universe.

Implied by his methodology, not a direct quote

If you want to learn geometry, you must be prepared to get your hands dirty with definitions and axioms, not just expect a king's shortcut.

Apocryphal, based on 'no royal road'

What is proved without assumptions can be disproved without difficulty.

Apocryphal, reflecting his rigorous style

For those who seek to understand the universe, a straight line is not merely a path, but a principle.

Apocryphal, reflecting his philosophical approach

To the student who asked 'What do I get by learning these things?', Euclid is said to have replied, 'Give him three obols, since he must make gain out of what he learns.'

Stobaeus, Anthologium

Some people believe that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. I, however, have proven it.

Apocryphal, playing on his foundational work

A point is that which has no part. Much like a politician's promise, I suppose.

Apocryphal, combining definition with wit

Parallel lines never meet. A concept many philosophers struggle with, yet a child can draw.

Apocryphal, highlighting simplicity vs. complexity

The whole is greater than the part. A truth often forgotten by those who dissect arguments without understanding the full picture.

Apocryphal, applying an axiom to human behavior

If a straight line falling on two straight lines makes the interior angles on the same side less than two right angles, the two straight lines, if produced indefinitely, meet on that side on which the angles are less than two right angles. Try explaining that to a drunkard.

Apocryphal, adding humor to a complex postulate

A circle is a plane figure contained by one line such that all the straight lines falling upon it from one point among those lying within the figure are equal to one another. And yet, some still try to square it.

Apocryphal, referencing the famous problem

The postulates are not to be questioned, only understood. Much like the decrees of the gods, but with more logical consistency.

Apocryphal, comparing mathematical rigor to dogma

To assume is to make an ass out of u and me. In geometry, we prefer to prove.

Apocryphal, a modern twist on his methodology

Some truths are self-evident. Others require a few hundred pages of rigorous proof.

Apocryphal, acknowledging the scope of his work

The elements of geometry are not for the faint of heart, nor for those who prefer their truths pre-chewed.

Apocryphal, emphasizing the effort required

If you cannot define it, you cannot understand it. A principle lost on many a rhetorician.

Apocryphal, highlighting the importance of definitions

A line is breadthless length. Much like a politician's promise, full of length but lacking substance.

Apocryphal, similar to the 'point' quote

The angles at the base of an isosceles triangle are equal to one another. A fact that has caused fewer wars than the angles at the base of human ambition.

Apocryphal, contrasting geometry with human affairs