David Hilbert - Number Quotes

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It remains to discuss briefly what general requirements may be justly laid down for the solution of a mathematical problem. I should say first of all, this: that it shall be possible to establish the correctness of the solution by means of a finite number of steps based upon a finite number of hypotheses which are implied in the statement of the problem and which must always be exactly formulated. This requirement of logical deduction by means of a finite number of processes is simply the requirement of rigor in reasoning.

David Hilbert
The importance of a scientific work can be measured by the number of previous publications it makes it superfluous to read.

David Hilbert
One can measure the importance of a scientific work by the number of earlier publications rendered superfluous by it.

David Hilbert
A problem in number theory is as timeless as a true work of art.

David Hilbert
Geometry, like arithmetic, requires for its logical development only a small number of simple, fundamental principles. These fundamental principles are called the axioms of geometry.

David Hilbert
Mathematics is not a popular subject, even though its importance may be generally conceded. The reason for this is to be found in the common superstition that mathematics is but a continuation, a further development, of the fine art of arithmetic, of juggling with numbers.

David Hilbert