Introduction to the Philosophy of Saint Augustine (continued)
wisdom. And because of this I wonder much, since these two are in the most mysterious and certain truth, and the testimony of the Scriptures is added also, in which, as I have noted, they are placed together—I wonder greatly, as I have said, why to the multitude of men number is held of small account and wisdom dear.
But doubtless it is this, that there is one, and as it were the same thing; but yet, since it is nonetheless said of wisdom in the divine Books that it reaches from the end unto the end mightily, and disposes all things sweetly (Wisd. of Sol. 8:1), that power by which it reaches from the end unto the end mightily is perhaps called number, but that which disposes all things sweetly is wisdom strictly so called; while both are of one and the same wisdom.
31. But because God gave numbers to all things, even to the lowest, and to those placed in the end of things—for all bodies, though they are among things the meanest, have their numbers—yet to be wise He did not grant to bodies, or even to all souls, but only to rational souls, as if He placed in them a seat for Himself, from which He disposes all those lowest things to which He gave numbers. And so since we judge easily of numbers, as of the things which are ordered beneath us, on which we perceived the impressed numbers as beneath us, we therefore hold them also of less account. But when we begin to turn back, and as it were upwards, we find that they too transcend our minds and remain immutable in truth itself. And because few can be wise, whereas to count is granted even to fools, men admire wisdom and despise numbers. The learned, however, and the studious, the more remote they are from earthly blemish, the more they look upon both number and wisdom in truth itself and hold both dear; and in comparison with its truth, not for them are gold and silver and other things for which men contend, but even their own selves grow unimportant.
32. Nor should you wonder that numbers are held cheap by men and wisdom dear, because they can more easily count than be wise; when you see them hold gold dearer than the light of a lamp and laugh to see gold compared with it. But a far inferior thing is honored, because even a beggar lights himself a lamp, but few have gold: although wisdom may be lacking, so that in comparison with number it is found inferior, while it is the same but seeks the eye by which it can be seen.
But just as brightness and heat are perceived consubstantial, so to speak, in one fire, and yet the heat reaches only those