"It would seem that more than function itself, simplicity is the deciding factor in the aesthetic equation. One might call the process beauty through function and simplification." (Raymond Loewy, "Never Leave Well Enough Alone", 1951)
"[...] 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 - that is, correctly to describe phenomena from a reasonably wide area. Furthermore, it must satisfy certain aesthetic criteria - that is, in relation to how much it describes, it must be rather simple." (John von Neumann, "Method in the Physical Sciences", 1955)
"When, for instance, I see a symmetrical object, I feel its pleasurable quality, but do not need to assert explicitly to myself, ‘How symmetrical!’. This characteristic feature may be explained as follows. In the course of individual experience it is found generally that symmetrical objects possess exceptional and desirable qualities. Thus our own bodies are not regarded as perfectly formed unless they are symmetrical. Furthermore, the visual and tactual technique by which we perceive the symmetry of various objects is uniform, highly developed, and almost instantaneously applied. It is this technique which forms the associative 'pointer.' In consequence of it, the perception of any symmetrical object is accompanied by an intuitive aesthetic feeling of positive tone." (George D Birkhoff, "Mathematics of Aesthetics", 1956)
"It is sometimes said of two expositions of one and the same mathematical proof that the one is simpler or more elegant than the other. This is a distinction which has little interest from the point of view of the theory of knowledge; it does not fall within the province of logic, but merely indicates a preference of an aesthetic or pragmatic character." (Karl Popper,"The Logic of Scientific Discovery", 1959)
"[...] 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 - that is, correctly to describe phenomena from a reasonably wide area. Furthermore, it must satisfy certain aesthetic criteria - that is, in relation to how much it describes, it must be rather simple." (John von Neumann, "Method in the physical sciences", 1961)
"The process of preparing programs for a digital computer is especially attractive, not only because it can economically and scientifically rewarding, but also because it can be an aesthetic experience much like composing poetry or music." (Donald E Knuth, "The Art of Computer Programming: Fundamental algorithms", 1968)
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