Single Idea 19390

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 4. Using Numbers / g. Applying mathematics]

Full Idea

There is nothing which is not subsumable under number; number is therefore a fundamental metaphysical form, and arithmetic a sort of statics of the universe, in which the powers of things are revealed.

Gist of Idea

Everything is subsumed under number, which is a metaphysical statics of the universe, revealing powers

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Towards a Universal Characteristic [1677], p.17)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Leibniz Selections', ed/tr. Wiener,Philip P. [Scribners 1951], p.17


A Reaction

I take numbers to be a highly generalised and idealised description of an aspect of reality (seen as mainly constituted by countable substances). Seeing reality as processes doesn't lead us to number. So I like this idea.