Noam Elkies

"One does not have to have experience raising children through school, dealing with family tragedies, and so forth, to be able to find three numbers whose fourth powers add up to another one."

"One of the things about math and chess is that we’re better at doing it than philosophizing about it."

"Indeed, Elkies admits he can improvise fugues, "at least on reasonable themes in a slow enough tempo.""

"Among students and faculty alike, any mention of his name is usually accompanied by a quick glance around, a devious smile, and hunched-over, half-whispered anecdotes about the man."

"Noam is unlike anyone we've ever had."