Mathematics Quote by John Von Neumann
“Anyone who considers arithmetical methods of producing random numbers is, of course, in a state of sin.”
About This Quote
Source Paper: Monte Carlo Methods, 1951
Random-number generators based on arithmetic formulas are fundamentally flawed because they lack true randomness.
In simple terms: Arithmetic random numbers are not truly random.
Key Takeaway
Prefer true randomness sources.
Themes
statistics
mathematics
randomness
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
technical
educational
When to use this quote
- cryptography
- simulation
- gaming
- scientific modeling
Key Concepts
Monte Carlo
pseudorandomness
Questions to Reflect On
- How critical is true randomness for your application?
- Can you accept the risk of patterns?
A Different Perspective
Pseudorandom generators can be sufficient for many practical uses.
![“Geometry, which should only obey Physics, when united with it sometimes commands it. If it happens that the question which we wish to examine is too complicated for all the elements to be able to enter into the analytical comparison we wish to make, we separate the more inconvenient [elements], we…” quote by Jean le Rond d'Alembert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d9/jean-le-rond-d-alembert-26487_able_geometry-which-should-only-obey-physics_6945.jpg)
