If scientific reasoning were limited to the logical processes of arithmetic, we should not get very far in our understanding of the physical world. One might as well attempt to grasp the game of poker entirely by the use of the mathematics of probability.

  • -- Vannevar Bush 瓦内瓦·布什

如果科学推理局限于算术的逻辑过程,我们对物理世界的理解就不会走得太远。人们不妨尝试完全利用概率数学来把握扑克游戏。

相关名言

Probability is expectation founded upon partial knowledge. A perfect acquaintance with all the circumstances affecting the occurrence of an event would change expectation into certainty, and leave nether room nor demand for a theory of probabilities.

概率是建立在部分知识基础上的期望。完全了解所有影响事件发生的情况,就会把期望变成确定性,从而为概率理论留下空间和需求。

A mathematician is a person who can find analogies between theorems; a better mathematician is one who can see analogies between proofs and the best mathematician can notice analogies between theories.

数学家是能在定理之间找到类比的人;一个更好的数学家能看到证明之间的类比,而最好的数学家能注意到理论之间的类比。

Statistically, the probability of any one of us being here is so small that you'd think the mere fact of existing would keep us all in a contented dazzlement of surprise.

从统计数据上看,我们当中任何一个人在这里的可能性是如此之小,以至于你会认为,仅仅是存在的事实就会让我们所有人都感到满足和惊喜。

The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.

最难掌握的算术是能让我们计算自己的幸福。

Mathematicians are like managers - they want improvement without change.

数学家就像经理一样,他们需要的是无需改变的改进。

Music is the arithmetic of sounds as optics is the geometry of light.

音乐是声音的算术,正如光学是光的几何。