It is my conviction that pure mathematical construction enables us to discover the concepts and the laws connecting them, which gives us the key to the understanding of nature ... In a certain sense, therefore, I hold it true that pure thought can grasp reality, as the ancients dreamed.

Summary

This quote expresses the belief that pure mathematical reasoning allows us to uncover the fundamental concepts and principles that underpin the natural world. It suggests that through the process of abstract mathematical construction, we can gain insights into the workings of reality. It further implies that our ability to engage in rational thinking enables us to comprehend nature's complexities, echoing the notion that philosophers of antiquity had of pure thought possessing the capacity to grasp the truth about the world.

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