John von Neumann - on being phoned at 10 a.m.

You wake me up early in the morning to tell me I am right? Please wait until I am wrong.
John von Neumann
The sciences do not try to explain, they hardly even try to interpret, they mainly make models. By a model is meant a mathematical construct which, with the addition of certain verbal interpretations, describes observed phenomena. The justification of such a mathematical construct is solely and precisely that it is expected to work.
John von Neumann
Anyone who considers arithmetical methods of producing random digits is, of course, in a state of sin.

- John von Neumann - on being phoned at 10 a.m.