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Single Idea 1518

[filed under theme 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 4. Mathematical Nature ]

Full Idea

Everything which is known has number, because otherwise it is impossible for anything to be the object of thought or knowledge.

Gist of Idea

Everything must involve numbers, or it couldn't be thought about or known

Source

Philolaus (On the Cosmos (lost) [c.435 BCE], B04), quoted by John Stobaeus - Anthology 1.21.7b

Book Ref

'The First Philosophers', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 2000], p.111