Full Idea
'Objects' do not do the job of numbers singly; the whole system performs the job or nothing does. I therefore argue that numbers could not be objects at all.
Gist of Idea
The job is done by the whole system of numbers, so numbers are not objects
Source
Paul Benacerraf (What Numbers Could Not Be [1965], IIIC)
Book Reference
'Philosophy of Mathematics: readings (2nd)', ed/tr. Benacerraf/Putnam [CUP 1983], p.290
A Reaction
This thought is explored by structuralism - though it is a moot point where mere 'nodes' in a system (perhaps filled with old bits of furniture) will do the job either. No one ever explains the 'power' of numbers (felt when you do a sudoku). Causal?