Independence

Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom.

For me a simple message, to think and act with courage, independence and imagination.

I fully agree with you about the significance and educational value of as well as history and philosophy of science. So many people today - and even professional - seem to me like someone who has seen thousands of trees but has never seen a forest. A knowledge of the historic and philosophical background gives that kind of independence from prejudices of his generation from which most scientists are suffering. This independence created by philosophical insight is - in my opinion - the mark of distinction between a mere artisan or specialist and a real seeker after truth.

There are few enough people with sufficient independence to see the weaknesses and follies of their contemporaries and remain themselves untouched by them.

We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made.