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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.

Understanding infinity has advanced many fields, such as [[mathematics]] through [[calculus]], [[set theory]] and [[singularity|singularities]]; [[quantum mechanics]] through infinite [[uncertainty]]; [[economics]] through the infinite opportunity discovered by the [[Coase theorem]], [[physics]] through the [[Big Bang]] (infinite [[energy]] density) and the speculative [[black holes]] (infinite mass density), and [[religion]] through the concepts like [[eternity]] (infinite time).

Understanding infinity has advanced many fields, such as:

*[[mathematics]] through [[calculus]], [[set theory]] and [[singularity|singularities]];  

*[[quantum mechanics]] through infinite [[uncertainty]];  

*[[economics]] through the infinite opportunity discovered by the [[Coase theorem]];

*[[physics]] through the [[Big Bang]] (infinite [[energy]] density) and the speculative [[black holes]] (infinite mass density);

*[[politics]] through dictatorships (infinite authority) and [[separation of powers]] to avoid infinite power; and

*[[religion]] through the concepts like [[eternity]] (infinite time).

In addition, recognition of infinity — such as infinite time or infinite strength — is helpful on a personal level in dealing with adversity.  Infinite time means infinite money, since time is convertible into money.  [[Jesus]] often emphasized the concept of infinity in his [[miracle]]s and [[parable]]s.  He rejected the mistaken view of the ancient Greeks that infinity is non-existent and incoherent.<ref>{{cquote|The Ancient Greeks generally conceived of the infinite as formless, characterless, indefinite, indeterminate, chaotic, and unintelligible. The term had negative connotations and was especially vague, having no clear criteria for distinguishing the finite from the infinite.}} [http://www.iep.utm.edu/infinite/]

In addition, recognition of infinity — such as infinite time or infinite strength — is helpful on a personal level in dealing with adversity.  Infinite time means infinite money, since time is convertible into money.  [[Jesus]] often emphasized the concept of infinity in his [[miracle]]s and [[parable]]s.  He rejected the mistaken view of the ancient Greeks that infinity is non-existent and incoherent.<ref>{{cquote|The Ancient Greeks generally conceived of the infinite as formless, characterless, indefinite, indeterminate, chaotic, and unintelligible. The term had negative connotations and was especially vague, having no clear criteria for distinguishing the finite from the infinite.}} [http://www.iep.utm.edu/infinite/]