John von Neumann

Computer architecture, game theory

Modern influential 51 sayings

Sayings by John von Neumann

The world is not as simple as we would like it to be.

1950s — A general observation on complexity.
Humorous Unverifiable

The only way to understand a system is to build it.

1940s-1950s — A pragmatic approach to understanding complex systems.
Humorous Unverifiable

Anyone who attempts to generate random numbers by deterministic means is, of course, living in a state of sin.

Mid-20th century — A humorous but pointed remark on the inherent contradiction of trying to create true randomness with…
Shocking Unverifiable

I am thinking about something much more important than bombs. I am thinking about computers.

Mid-20th century — Reported as his response when asked about his work during the Manhattan Project, highlighting his sh…
Shocking Unverifiable

It is just as foolish to complain that people are selfish and treacherous as it is to complain that the magnetic field does not increase unless the electric field has a curl. Both are laws of nature.

Mid-20th century — Expressing a deterministic and somewhat cynical view of human behavior, comparing it to immutable la…
Shocking Unverifiable

Computers are like humans - they do everything except think.

Mid-20th century (1947) — A concise statement on the capabilities and limitations of early computing machines.
Shocking Unverifiable

Truth is much too complicated to allow anything but approximations.

Mid-20th century — A philosophical outlook on the nature of truth, suggesting that complete understanding is often beyo…
Shocking Unverifiable

Technological possibilities are irresistible to man. If man can go to the moon, he will. If he can control the climate, he will.

Mid-20th century — A statement on the inherent drive of humanity to pursue technological advancements, regardless of po…
Shocking Unverifiable

I would like to make a confession which may seem immoral: I do not believe absolutely in Hilbert space any more.

Mid-20th century — A surprising admission from a prominent mathematician, indicating a shift in his fundamental mathema…
Shocking Unverifiable

There probably is a God. Many things are easier to explain if there is than if there isn't.

Mid-20th century — A pragmatic and somewhat detached perspective on the existence of God, framed in terms of explanator…
Shocking Unverifiable

All stable processes we shall predict. All unstable processes we shall control.

Mid-20th century — A bold and ambitious statement reflecting a belief in the ultimate power of science and technology t…
Shocking Unverifiable