Alan Turing

Mathematics English 1912 – 1954 391 quotes

Father of computer science and artificial intelligence

Quotes by Alan Turing

To create one's world in any of the arts is an act of defiance.

Attributed reflection

I believe in God as much as Einstein did.

Attributed remark

The computer's power is in its ability to simulate.

Paper excerpt 1950

Life is a game of chess, and machines will play it better.

Attributed aphorism

We should expect that even if machines could think, they would not be very intelligent.

Computing Machinery and Intelligence 1950

My work on the Bombe was crucial.

Professional observation

Homosexuality is much less dangerous than innate sadism.

Trial testimony excerpt 1952

I am quite prepared to be called a mathematician.

Letter 1930

The halting problem is undecidable.

On Computable Numbers 1936

I enjoy running, it clears the mind.

Personal reflection

Algorithms are the soul of mathematics.

Attributed

The future of computing is in artificial intelligence.

Paper 1950

I was never good at exams.

Autobiographical remark

Cryptography is the art of codes.

Professional observation

Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.

Attributed, though misattributed

The Manchester Mark 1 was a success.

Report 1948

I prefer to work alone.

Letter

Numbers are the language of the universe.

Attributed reflection

Innovation comes from necessity.

Attributed saying

The Turing Test is a measure of intelligence.

Computing Machinery and Intelligence 1950