David Hilbert

Mathematics German 1862 – 1943 440 quotes

Formulated 23 problems that shaped 20th century math

Quotes by David Hilbert

The whole of mathematics is nothing but a continuous chain of deductions, starting from a few simple axioms.

Anecdotal

The goal of mathematics is to understand the universe.

Anecdotal

Mathematics is the most beautiful and most powerful creation of the human spirit.

Anecdotal

The true spirit of mathematics is to be found in the solution of problems.

Anecdotal

The problems of mathematics are not only interesting in themselves, but they also serve as a stimulus for the development of new methods and theories.

International Congress of Mathematicians, Paris 1900

The mathematician is a man who can see the invisible and touch the intangible.

Anecdotal

The infinite is the essence of mathematics.

Anecdotal

The task of mathematics is to free us from the tyranny of the senses.

Anecdotal

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

Attributed, but often misattributed to Galileo

The problems of mathematics are not only important for mathematics itself, but also for other sciences.

International Congress of Mathematicians, Paris 1900

The mathematician's task is to understand, not to invent.

Anecdotal

The infinite is the great challenge to the human intellect.

Über das Unendliche 1925

The goal of mathematics is to discover the truth.

Anecdotal

Mathematics is the most powerful tool for understanding the world.

Anecdotal

The problems of mathematics are not only difficult, but also beautiful.

International Congress of Mathematicians, Paris 1900

The mathematician is a man who can see the beauty in abstract ideas.

Anecdotal

The infinite is the source of all mathematical progress.

Über das Unendliche 1925

The goal of mathematics is to create a perfect and harmonious system of knowledge.

Anecdotal

Mathematics is the most precise and most rigorous of all sciences.

Anecdotal

The problems of mathematics are not only challenging, but also rewarding.

International Congress of Mathematicians, Paris 1900