"Mathematical science is in my opinion an indivisible whole, an organism whose vitality is conditioned upon the connection of its parts. For with all the variety of mathematical knowledge, we are still clearly conscious of the similarity of the logical devices, the relationship of the ideas in mathematics as a whole and the numerous analogies in its different departments. We also notice that, the farther a mathematical theory is developed, the more harmoniously and uniformly does its construction proceed, and unsuspected relations are disclosed between hitherto separate branches of the science. So it happens that, with the extension of mathematics, its organic character is not lost but only manifests itself the more clearly."
React to this quote
More by David Hilbert
See allResonant Thoughts
"The theory of perspective was taught in painting schools from the sixteenth century onward according to principles laid down by the masters... However, their treatises on perspective had on the whole …"
Explore Further
Related Quotes
"One thing above all they assuredly would not forget; Lancastrian or Yorkist, squire or lord, priest or laym…"
— Enoch Powell"Interview on NPR's Radio Lab about nature of science"
— Alan Lightman"Huxley gave the death-blow not only to Owen's theory of the skull but also to Owen's hitherto unchallenged …"
— Thomas Henry Huxley"But we are not known for our ability to follow through on our unearned discoveries. We are top-of-the-water…"
— John Irving"Mini-review of A Theory of Everything"
— Ken Wilber"To plead the organic causation of a religious state of mind, then, in refutation of its claim to possess su…"
— William James
Related Thinkers
Related Topics
Deep Dives
- Leonardo da Vinci on Science
- Kenneth Arrow on science
- Charles Babbage on science
- John Wallis on science
- William A. Dembski on science
- Leonardo da Vinci on life
- Leonardo da Vinci on nature
- Leonardo da Vinci on art
- Leonardo da Vinci on knowledge
- Leonardo da Vinci on philosophy
- knowledge & Beauty
- knowledge & Change
