Observations placeholder
Pythagoras - Proclus in MSS. Schol. in Cratylum
Identifier
014685
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
Pythagoras - Proclus in MSS. Schol. in Cratylum
Pythagoras being asked what was the wisest of things, said it was number; and being asked what was the next in wisdom, said, he who gave names to things.
But by number, he obscurely signified the intelligible order, which comprehends the multitude of intellectual forms: for there that which is the first, and properly number, subsists after the superessential one - that is number according to cause, which subsists at the extremity of the intelligible order.
This likewise supplies the measures of essence to all beings, in which also true wisdom, and knowledge which is of itself, and which is converted to and perfects itself, subsist. And as there the intelligible, intellect, and intelligence, are the same, so there also number and wisdom are the same. But by the founder of names, he obscurely signified the immortal soul, which indeed subsists from intellect, and is not things themselves like the first intellect, but possesses the images and essential transitive reasons of them as statues of beings.
Being, therefore, is imparted to all things from intellect, which knows itself and is replete with wisdom; but that they are denominated is from immortal soul, which imitates intellect. Pythagoras therefore said, that it was not the business of any casual person to fabricate names, but of one looking to intellect and the nature of things.
The source of the experience
PythagorasConcepts, symbols and science items
Concepts
FunctionHigher spirit
Intelligence
Intelligence hierarchy
Names
System
Ultimate Intelligence
Unit of energy
Wisdom
Word, the