J a n u a r y 11

“If a lunatic scribbles a jumble of mathematical symbols it does not

follow that the writing means anything merely because to the inexpert
eye it is indistinguishable from higher mathematics.”
— E r i c T E m p l E B E l l , q u o T E d i n J . r . n E w m a n ’ s T h E w o r l d o f m aT h E m aT i c s , 1 9 5 6

14
 J a n u a r y 12

“God exists since mathematics is consistent, and the

devil exists since we cannot prove the consistency.”
— M o r r i s K l i n e , M at h e M at i c a l t h o u g h t f r o M a n c i e n t t o M o d e r n t i M e s , 1 9 7 2

15
 may 14

“The digits of pi beyond the first few decimal places are of no practical
or scientific value. Four decimal places are sufficient for the design of the finest
engines; ten decimal places are sufficient to obtain the circumference of the earth
within a fraction of an inch if the earth were a smooth sphere.”
—Petr Beckmann, a History of Pi, 1976

138
 mAy 15

“When you discover mathematical structures that you believe correspond to the world
around you . . . you are communicating with the universe, seeing beautiful and deep
structures and patterns that no one without your training can see. The mathematics is
there, it’s leading you, and you are discovering it. Mathematics is a profound language,
an awesomely beautiful language. For some, like Leibniz, it is the language of God.
I’m not religious, but I do believe that the universe is organized mathematically.”
— A n t h o n y t r o m b A , “ U C S C P r o f e S S o r S e e k S t o r e C o n n e C t m At h e m At i C S t o i t S i n t e l l e C t U A l r o o t S ,”
UniverSit y of CAliforniA PreSS releASe, 2003

139
 May 18

B o r n o n t h i s d ay : Omar Khayyám, 1048; Bertrand Russell, 1872

“As the island of knowledge grows, the surface that makes contact with
mystery expands. When major theories are overturned, what we thought was certain
knowledge gives way, and knowledge touches upon mystery differently. This newly
uncovered mystery may be humbling and unsettling, but it is the cost of truth.
Creative scientists, philosophers, and poets thrive at this shoreline.”
— W. M a r k r i c h a r d s o n , “a s k e p t i c ’ s s e n s e o f W o n d e r ,” s c i e n c e , 1 9 9 8

142
 May 19

“The pure mathematician, like the musician, is a free

creator of his world of ordered beauty.”
—Bertrand russell, a History of Western PHilosoPHy, 1945

143
 deceMBer 22

B o r n o n t h i s d ay : Srinivasa Ramanujan, 1887

“I remember once going to see [Ramanujan] when he was lying ill at Putney.
I had ridden in taxi cab number 1729 and remarked that the number seemed to
me rather a dull one, and that I hoped it was not an unfavorable omen. ‘No,’
he replied, ‘it is a very interesting number; it is the smallest number
expressible as the sum of two cubes in two different ways.’”
— G . h . h a r dy, “ t h e i n d i a n M at h e M at i c i a n r a M a n u j a n ,” t h e a M e r i c a n M at h e M at i c a l M o n t h ly , 1 9 3 7

360
 deCember 23

“I regret that it has been necessary for me in this lecture to administer

a large dose of four-dimensional geometry. I do not apologise, because I am
really not responsible for the fact that nature in its most fundamental aspect
is four-dimensional. Things are what they are. . . .”
— A l f r e d N . W h i t e h e A d , t h e C o N C e p t o f N At u r e , 1 9 2 0

361
 deceMBer 24

B o r n o n t h i s d ay : Charles Hermite, 1822

“Wherever there is number, there is beauty.”

— P r o c l u s , q u o t e d i n M o r r i s K l i n e ’ s M at h e M at i c a l t h o u g h t
froM ancient to Modern tiMes, 1990

362
 deceMBer 25

B o r n o n t h i s d ay : Isaac Newton, 1642

“The mathematical take-over of physics has its dangers, as it could tempt us into
realms of thought which embody mathematical perfection but might be far removed,
or even alien to, physical reality. Even at these dizzying heights we must ponder the
same deep questions that troubled both Plato and Immanuel Kant. What is reality?
Does it lie in our mind, expressed by mathematical formulae, or is it ‘out there’?”
— s i r M i c h a e l at i ya h , “ P u l l i n g t h e s t r i n g s ,” n at u r e , 2 0 0 5

363
 PUB DATE NOV EMBER 2014
“It is impossible to be a mathematician without being a poet in soul.”
—Sofia Kovalevskaya, Recollections of Childhood, 1895

From the ingenious author of The Math Book and The Physics Book comes an inspirational volume that celebrates the
beauty and wisdom of mathematics. Every page of this yearlong devotional presents a sage remark alongside a stunning
image relating to the world of math. The quotes feature insight from such brilliant thinkers as Pythagoras, Richard
Feynman, and Robert Heinlein, and the art showcases everything from gorgeous fractals to splendid architecture.

• Trade mailing (Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Library Journal, Kirkus)

• Review copy mailing to book review editors at newspapers and magazines
• Review copy mailing to education and history publications
• Blogger outreach to math and science websites
• Blogger outreach to teacher and homeschool blogs

Internationally renowned author Clifford Pickover has published more than 40 books, translated into over a dozen
languages, on topics ranging from science and mathematics to religion, art, and history. Dr. Pickover received his PhD
from Yale University’s Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry and holds more than 100 US patents. His
research has received considerable attention from such media outlets as CNN, Wired, and the New York Times, and his
website, pickover.com, has received millions of visits. He lives in Yorktown Heights, NY.

For more information, contact Lauren Cirigliano at (646) 688-2464 or lcirigliano@sterlingpublishing.com

DISCLAIMER
Reviewers are reminded that changes may be made in this uncorrected proof before books are printed. If any material from the book
is to be quoted in a review, the quotation should be checked against the final bound book. Dates, prices, and manufacturing details are
subject to change or cancellation without notice.

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