Single Idea 19375

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 5. The Infinite / j. Infinite divisibility]

Full Idea

Leibniz said the division of the continuum should not be conceived 'to be like the division of sand into grains, but like that of a tunic or a sheet of paper into folds'.

Gist of Idea

The continuum is not divided like sand, but folded like paper

Source

report of Gottfried Leibniz (works [1690], A VI iii 555) by Richard T.W. Arthur - Leibniz

Book Reference

Arthur, Richard T.W.: 'Leibniz' [Polity 2014], p.68


A Reaction

This from the man who invented calculus. This thought might apply well to the modern physicist's concept of a 'field'.