The author of this book, Hermann Weil (1885-1955), one of the largest scientists of the twentieth century, left a deep mark on many sections of mathematics and mathematical physics. Weil, in particular, we owe to the fact that today we are fully aware of the meaning for mathematics and physics of the general concept of symmetry. Many years of reflection on this topic prompted Weil to speak at the end of his life to a wide audience - to mathematicians and non-mathematicians, persons interested in the natural sciences, and persons interested in the humanities - with a wide discussion of the essence of symmetry and its role in science and art. So a wonderful book was born, offered to the attention of the reader. The book will be of interest to both specialists in the field of natural sciences and a wide range of interested readers.