Creative mathematicians now, as in the past, are inspired by the art of mathematics rather than by any prospect of ultimate usefulness.

—Eric Temple Bell

TOPICS: art, creativity, practicality

The creative principle resides in mathematics. In a certain sense, therefore, I hold it true that pure thought can grasp reality, as the ancients dreamed.

—Albert Einstein

TOPICS: creativity, philosophy, Platonism

I  am interested in mathematics only as a creative art.

—Godfrey Harold Hardy

TOPICS: creativity, art

The science of Pure Mathematics, in its modern developments, may claim to be the most original creation of the human spirit.

—Alfred North Whitehead

TOPICS: creativity, pure math