DemoKat

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Here are a few bits to chew on...

God exists since mathematics is consistent, and the Devil exists since we cannot prove it. Andre Weil, (1906 -?) In H. Eves Mathematical Circles Adieu, Boston: Prindle, Weber and Schmidt, 1977.

I don't believe in mathematics. Albert Einstein, (1879-1955) Quoted by Carl Seelig. Albert Einstein.

Suppose we loosely define a religion as any discipline whose foundations rest on an element of faith, irrespective of any element of reason which may be present. Quantum mechanics for example would be a religion under this definition. But mathematics would hold the unique position of being the only branch of theology possessing a rigorous demonstration of the fact that it should be so classified. F. De Sua, (1956) In H. Eves In Mathematical Circles, Boston: Prindle, Weber and Schmidt, 1969.

Let us weigh the gain and the loss in wagering that God is. Let us consider the two possibilities. If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Hesitate not, then, to wager that He is.Blaise Pascal, (1623-1662) Pensees. 1670.

The excitement that a gambler feels when making a bet is equal to the amount he might win times the probability of winning it. Blaise Pascal, (1623-1662) In N. Rose Mathematical Maxims and Minims, Raleigh NC:Rome Press Inc., 1988.

In my opinion, a mathematician, in so far as he is a mathematician, need not preoccupy himself with philosophy -- an opinion, moreover, which has been expressed by many philosophers. Henri Lebesgue, (1875 - 1941) Scientific American, 211, September 1964, p. 129.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...: Lots of people look at maps and think they know all there is to the territory. Religious writings are like that too, as all writings are.; 4:59 AM
N/A said...: Pascal's comment is good. I think the only question is how you believe in God. What system of religion do you want to follow. I feel many of the atheists are deep down not necessarily so pissed of at God but rather at how people have distorted religion and used it to brainwash people and what not. For example if God and Paradise exist how do you know what you need to do to get there? Even though Pascal's comment makes sense then you still haven't gotten anywhere. That's why I'm a fan of religions that teach a certain way of living rather than focusing too much on some Godly figure.; 1:46 AM
Dating said...: Pascal was great man!; 10:30 AM
Poker Manual said...: It is simply excellent phrase; 10:25 AM

Post a Comment

About me

Formerly a well paid, professional analyst, BlueKat is now just a (not so much now) depressed Democrat single southern woman living in the most infamous red town in the most infamous red state in the nation. BlueKat writes about whatever she feels like, most of it commentary. BlueKat is a "yaller dog" Democrat, but doesn't toe the liberal blogosphere line(s). BlueKat is a lifelong student of history, religions, philosophy & the classics, since college. Fighting a disabling disease that affects thinking and writing abilities which she once prided herself on, bear with BlueKat as she does the best she can on the days she can, without insurance or needed healthcare. Some of the issues BlueKat cares most about are: human rights, universal healthcare, reproductive rights for women, equal rights for gay and lesbian people, misogyny, violence, especially against women, children and animals, strong national defense, irrational religious indoctrination by all faiths, immigration issues, outsourcing and unfair trade practices. BlueKat believes this nation is in greater danger from within than without.