In practical terms, infinite means more than one can productively use. The food supply is essentially infinite in cultures where obesity is a problem; wealth is essentially infinite for those who cannot spend it all in their lifetime; and time is infinite for those who waste it. Increasing food, wealth, or time in those situations is virtually meaningless. Some scoff at primitive numbering systems that quickly reach infinity rather than using large numbers. but that can actually be a more effective way of thinking about enormous quantities. | In practical terms, infinite means more than one can productively use. The food supply is essentially infinite in cultures where obesity is a problem; wealth is essentially infinite for those who cannot spend it all in their lifetime; and time is infinite for those who waste it. Increasing food, wealth, or time in those situations is virtually meaningless. Some scoff at primitive numbering systems that quickly reach infinity rather than using large numbers. but that can actually be a more effective way of thinking about enormous quantities. |