“[T]he infinite is in capacity. That, however, which is infinite in capacity is not to be assumed as that which is infinite in energy. …[I]t has its being in capacity, and in division and diminution. …[I]t is always possible to assume something beyond it. It does not, however, on this account surpass every definite magnitude; as in division it surpasses every definite magnitude, and will be less.”
Book III, Ch. VIII, pp. 164-166.
Physics
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Aristotle230
Classical Greek philosopher, student of Plato and founder o… -384–-321 BCRelated quotes
Idries Shah book Learning How to Learn: Psychology and Spirituality in the Sufi Way
Source: Learning How to Learn: Psychology and Spirituality in the Sufi Way
“Since, however, all multitude and magnitude are by their own nature of necessity infinite”
Nicomachus (60–120) Ancient Greek mathematician
Nicomachus of Gerasa: Introduction to Arithmetic (1926)
Context: Things... are some of them continuous... which are properly and peculiarly called 'magnitudes'; others are discontinuous, in a side-by-side arrangement, and, as it were, in heaps, which are called 'multitudes,' a flock, for instance, a people, a heap, a chorus, and the like.
Wisdom, then, must be considered to be the knowledge of these two forms. Since, however, all multitude and magnitude are by their own nature of necessity infinite—for multitude starts from a definite root and never ceases increasing; and magnitude, when division beginning with a limited whole is carried on, cannot bring the dividing process to an end... and since sciences are always sciences of limited things, and never of infinites, it is accordingly evident that a science dealing with magnitude... or with multitude... could never be formulated.... A science, however, would arise to deal with something separated from each of them, with quantity, set off from multitude, and size, set off from magnitude.<!--pp.183-184
“Every quantity is intellectually conceivable as infinitely divisible.”
Leonardo Da Vinci (1452–1519) Italian Renaissance polymath
The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci (1883), XIX Philosophical Maxims. Morals. Polemics and Speculations.
“Genius is an infinite capacity for causing pain.”
Margaret Atwood book The Robber Bride
Source: The Robber Bride
“Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted.”
Aldous Huxley book Brave New World
"Variations on a Philosopher" in Themes and Variations (1950)
Source: Brave New World