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Single Idea 17858

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 4. Mathematical Nature ]

Full Idea

For Pythagoreans the entire universe is constructed from numbers.

Gist of Idea

Pythagoreans say the whole universe is made of numbers

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1080b16)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.409


A Reaction

The original view seems to have been more extreme than the mere idea that mathematics is the guide to nature, or the language of God. Stones are made of numbers. Aristotle was unimpressed.