Single Idea 21382

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 5. The Infinite / k. Infinitesimals]

Full Idea

Of the small there is no smallest, but always a smaller.

Gist of Idea

Things get smaller without end

Source

Anaxagoras (fragments/reports [c.460 BCE], B03), quoted by Gregory Vlastos - The Physical Theory of Anaxagoras II

Book Reference

Vlastos,Gregory: 'Studies in Greek Phil I: The Presocratics', ed/tr. Graham,D.W [Princeton 1993], p.312


A Reaction

Anaxagoras seems to be speaking of the physical world (and probably writing prior to the emergence of atomism, which could have been a rebellion against he current idea).