Full Idea
I do not believe mathematics either has or needs 'foundations'.
Gist of Idea
I do not believe mathematics either has or needs 'foundations'
Source
Hilary Putnam (Mathematics without Foundations [1967])
Book Reference
'Philosophy of Mathematics: readings (2nd)', ed/tr. Benacerraf/Putnam [CUP 1983], p.295
A Reaction
Agreed that mathematics can function well without foundations (given that the enterprise got started with no thought for such things), the ontology of the subject still strikes me as a major question, though maybe not for mathematicians.