The great work must inevitably be obscure, except to the very few, to those who like the author himself are read more

The great work must inevitably be obscure, except to the very few, to those who like the author himself are initiated into the mysteries. Communication then is secondary: it is perpetuation which is important. For this only one good reader is necessary.

When the lay public rallies round to an idea that is denounced by distinguished by elderly scientists and supports the read more

When the lay public rallies round to an idea that is denounced by distinguished by elderly scientists and supports the idea with great fervour and emotion, the distinguished but elderly scientests are then, after all, right. -Isaac Asimov.

An expert is a person who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow field.

An expert is a person who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow field.

Men have become the tools of their tools.

Men have become the tools of their tools.

Man's fear of ideas is probably the greatest dike holding back human knowledge and happiness.

Man's fear of ideas is probably the greatest dike holding back human knowledge and happiness.

The Internet is like a giant jellyfish. You can't step on it. You can't go around it. You've got to read more

The Internet is like a giant jellyfish. You can't step on it. You can't go around it. You've got to get through it.

I think complexity is mostly sort of crummy stuff that is there because it's too expensive to change the interface.

I think complexity is mostly sort of crummy stuff that is there because it's too expensive to change the interface.

... it is certain that the real function of art is to increase our self-consciousness; to make us more aware read more

... it is certain that the real function of art is to increase our self-consciousness; to make us more aware of what we are, and therefore of what the universe in which we live really is. And since mathematics, in its own way, also performs this function, it is not only aesthetically charming but profoundly significant. It is an art, and a great art.

Where there is the necessary technical skill to move mountains, there is no need for the faith that moves mountains.

Where there is the necessary technical skill to move mountains, there is no need for the faith that moves mountains.