The melancholy science from which I make this offering to my friend relates to a region that from time immemorial was regarded as the true field of philosophy, but which, since the latter's conversion into method, has lapsed into intellectual neglect, sententious whimsy, and finally oblivion.

Mathematics is the most beautiful and most powerful creation of the human spirit.

小说的艺术就是同时置身事内与事外的艺术。