There are two ways in which a science develops; in response to problems which is itself creates, and in response to problems that are forced on it from the outside.

Plutonium has a quite extraordinary relationship with people. They made it, and it kills them.

Statistics began as the systematic study of quantitative facts about the state.

I have this extraordinary curiosity about all subjects of the natural and human world and the interaction between the physical sciences and the social sciences.

Until the seventeenth century there was no concept of evidence with which to pose the problem of induction!

The best reaction to a paradox is to invent a genuinely new and deep idea.

A single observation that is inconsistent with some generalization points to the falsehood of the generalization, and thereby 'points to itself'.

Molecular biology has routinely taken problematic things under its wing without altering core ideas.

If you were just intent on killing people you could do better with a bomb made of agricultural fertiliser.

Every once in a while, something happens to you that makes you realise that the human race is not quite as bad as it so often seems to be.

Probability fractions arise from our knowledge and from our ignorance.

Your beliefs affect your choices. Your choices shape your actions. Your actions determine your results. The future you create depends upon the decisions you make and actions you take today.

Be kind. We never know what people are going through. Give grace and mercy because one day your circumstance could change and you may need it.

Be yourself, be brave.

A good problem statement often includes: (a) what is known (b) what is unknown and (c) what is sought.

If whatever you do helps just one person, you've done something wonderful.

Changing the subject is one of the most difficult arts to master, the key to almost all the others.

Before I was abducted, I think that happiness was related to success. Nowadays happiness is related, for me, to rest, peace, serenity.

My heart goes out to anyone who is making his first appearance before an audience of human beings.

Frivolous sorrow is folly. Frivolous enjoyment is not.

He was a guy who talked with commas, like a heavy novel. Over the phone anyway.