John von Neumann
John von Neumann
John von Neumannwas a Hungarian-American pure and applied mathematician, physicist, inventor, computer scientist, and polymath. He made major contributions to a number of fields, including mathematics, physics, economics, computing, and statistics...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionMathematician
Date of Birth28 December 1903
CountryUnited States of America
John von Neumann quotes about
selfish law people
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.
science simple understanding
Neumann, to a physicist seeking help with a difficult problem: Simple. This can be solved by using the method of characteristics. Physicist: I'm afraid I don't understand the method of characteristics. Neumann: In mathematics you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
morning up-early waiting
You wake me up early in the morning to tell me I am right? Please wait until I am wrong.
might transformation mathematical
If one has really technically penetrated a subject, things that previously seemed in complete contrast, might be purely mathematical transformations of each other.
space achievement logic
Kurt Godel's achievement in modern logic is singular and monumental - indeed it is more than a monument, it is a landmark which will remain visible far in space and time. ... The subject of logic has certainly completely changed its nature and possibilities with Godel's achievement.
numbers sin arithmetic
Any one who considers arithmetical methods of producing random digits is, of course, in a state of sin. For, as has been pointed out several times, there is no such thing as a random number– there are only methods to produce random numbers, and a strict arithmetic procedure of course is not such a method.
moon men climate
Technological possibilities are irresistible to man. If man can go to the moon, he will. If he can control the climate, he will.
talking no-point precise
There is no point in being precise if you do not even know what you are talking about.
algorithms physics mathematics
The emphasis on mathematical methods seems to be shifted more towards combinatorics and set theory - and away from the algorithm of differential equations which dominates mathematical physics.
levels facts peculiar
The most vitally characteristic fact about mathematics is, in my opinion, its quite peculiar relationship to the natural sciences, or more generally, to any science which interprets experience on a higher than purely descriptive level.
numbers people tea
I am a little troubled about the tea service in the electronic computer building. Apparently the members of your staff consume several times as much supplies as the same number of people do in Fuld Hall and they have been especially unfair in the matter of sugar.... I should like to raise the question whether it would not be better for the computer people to come up to Fuld Hall at the end of the day at 5 o'clock and have their tea here under proper supervision.
media may internet
Life is a process which may be abstracted from other media.
witty powerful humorous
Anyone who considers arithmetical methods of producing random digits is, of course, in a state of sin.
although appear careful computer possible reached silly sound technology tend
It would appear that we have reached the limits of what it is possible to achieve with computer technology, although one should be careful with such statements, as they tend to sound pretty silly in 5 years.