Good epigraphs may attract more readers. Sometimes it is necessary. Usually epigraphs are interesting but not intriguing.
To pick up an epigraph is some kind of nearly mathematical problem: it should be unexpectedly relevant to the content.
What successful solutions are known for you? What epigraphs attracted your attention?
Please post only epigraphs because quotes were collected in Famous mathematical quotes.
There are certain common Privileges of a Writer, the Benefit whereof, I hope, there will be no Reason to doubt; Particularly, that where I am not understood, it shall be concluded, that something very useful and profound is coucht underneath. (JONATHAN SWIFT, Tale of a Tub, Preface 1704)
[Taken from Knuth, D. E. The art of computer programming. Volume 3: Sorting and searching.]