Numbers and Hashem

Anyone who says numbers are infinite is idiotic. Of course they are not infinite.

The proof that purports to prove that they are infinite actually proves the opposite, to anyone who isn’t a retard.

Suppose I tell you the highest number, you will counter that that number plus 1 is higher.

But you yourself are just substituting a different highest number! You aren’t substituting infinite numbers–just a different highest number.

You see that? The proof itself just gives a different finite number!

(Yes, I know what the retards answer. They say that you can always add one to whatever number is given, so I will never be able to say a number that they cannot just add one to, even if I sit all day and suggest numbers. Which basically substitutes a “dare” for a mathematical proof, since you’re just saying I’ll never say enough numbers.)

What you say sounds good, but it’s quite silly.

As usual, a poor craftsman blames his tools.

Stupid is as stupid does.

Numbers are actually not very infinite. For example, there are more points on a line that is an inch long than there are numbers.

So really gematrias should be about points on a line.

Oh, my, that did sound bad. I meant that I would be called retarded by popa for agreeing with you that numbers are infinite.

Yes, popa, infinity comes in different sizes. So if I’m infinitely retarded, you can still be twice as retarded as I.

Phew, Thank gd there is nothing to worry ourselves about. Without such genius know-it-alls, us sophomoric minded would be completely lost.

So squueak, you’re saying a rav wouldn’t know the answer?

I can see from the “where is…” thread that i was sorely missed. thanks everyone

maybe you missed it:

where is Gefen et al?

I’ll get over it 🙂

Pba- You answered twice but I can’t quite understand your point- care to be more specific if possible?

Here are my humble thoughts:

Numbers, by nature are meant to quantify, and quantification is almost synonymous with finity (setting specific values for things, no more, no less).

On the flipside- there’s no limit to how high numbers can go, so counting up could be infinite. There is however a limit to how low numbers go. That’s one answer (albeit a weak one) to the OP’s question of how to reconcile the numeric concept with the divine as they relate to Infinitism.

Interestingly, there are 2 unique numbers/quantities that are unlike any others -Zero (the absence of any quantity) and One (the existence of a singular entity) which conceptualize ideas that are beyond the normal calculative and quantitative function of numbers in the general sense.

I think there is definitely a lesson here- especially since a big part of our religion is rooted in numbers. Numerical values (9 digits) are often an aid to our written holy tongue (22 characters) which essentially make up the whole entire cosmos… The same way hashem manifests the divine vis a vis the 22- character alphabet,,/9 too- the same can be said regarding the numeric system. Deep stuff, all just made up, but could be very true.

Numbers are far from infinite. They actually only go up until 9 (or F in base 16). The fact that theoretically you can keep putting on numbers and reciting more of them is no different from any other aspect to which we plug in infinity.

Philosophical Qs�NO KFIRAH

Created objects can’t be infinite but conceptually there is nothing wrong with a concept being infinite. There is nothing real about it. While travel-able space might in fact be limited, theoretically space can go on and on. This is because the idea we are describing is not a created reality that is contained within its given limits. It is a form of measuring. It never actually happened.

Drat, I wanted yitay to agree with me.

Hi,

In my humble opinion, numbers are not a thing in itself; it rather represents an object or an idea. For example one apple,two apples etc…, hence you can then add, subtract etc…. but since the item that it represents is an object and the object is finite, therefore, a number is no more than a concept which is relevant to the object. Once the object disappears, so do the numbers, thereby leaving numbers as a finite thing. On the other hand, G-d, Who is not a mortal, nor has any dimensions,is the epitome of Oneness that we have no concept of, and is the only infinite “being”.

If I am wrong then I hope to be corrected.

Dave

Squeak: To answer for Popa, I’d explain about infinities.

“Numbers don’t exist. They are ways of describing things. They are as infinite as the word infinity is.”

Numbers are a way to give value, and values have no end to how high they can go. There is a concept of “without end” despite the fact that its conceptual and not tangible. I don’t see it as a question per se, but we shouldn’t ignore the lesson.