Difference between revisions of "Logic of infinity"
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| − | The '''logic of infinity''' opens the door to understanding mysteries that first appear to be illogical. Most people were schooled in mathematics and logic without incorporation of [[infinity]] as having a central role. From a traditional mindset as taught in school, several [[parable]]s of [[Jesus]] then seem illogical, until viewed through the logic of infinity. | + | The '''logic of infinity''' opens the door to understanding mysteries that first appear to be illogical. Most people were schooled in [[mathematics]] and [[logic]] without the incorporation of [[infinity]] as having a central role. From a traditional mindset as taught in school, several [[parable]]s of [[Jesus]] then seem illogical, until viewed through the logic of infinity. |
For example, in the [[Parable of the Vineyard Workers]] the master has infinite resources, and pays all the workers the same daily wage regardless of how many hours they worked. Failing to grasp the concept of infinity, the workers who toiled all day complained about getting the same wage as the workers who put in only an hour or so of effort. | For example, in the [[Parable of the Vineyard Workers]] the master has infinite resources, and pays all the workers the same daily wage regardless of how many hours they worked. Failing to grasp the concept of infinity, the workers who toiled all day complained about getting the same wage as the workers who put in only an hour or so of effort. | ||
| − | The parable is often taught as an illustration of | + | The parable is often taught as an illustration of generosity, and a cautionary tale against jealousy. But neither explanation helps understand why the workers should not have been surprised by the master's conduct. The lack of logic in the workers' reaction is understood only by a recognition of infinity. Those who worked longest should not have even been surprised, let alone disappointed, when a master having infinite resources paid everyone the same daily wage, rather than try to save money on workers who toiled less. |
The [[Prodigal Son]], considered by many to be the most beautiful story ever, can also be understood as illustrating the logic of infinity. | The [[Prodigal Son]], considered by many to be the most beautiful story ever, can also be understood as illustrating the logic of infinity. | ||
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[[Infinity]] is rarely a part of [[economics]], but it should be. The [[Coase theorem]] teaches that by removing [[transaction costs]], efficient levels of economic activity are attained. This creates [[infinity|infinite]] opportunities for all, and the potential for essentially infinite wealth. Most economists, including [[Milton Friedman]], initially rejected the [[Coase theorem]] until it was accepted decades later and even honored with an unshared [[Nobel Prize]]. | [[Infinity]] is rarely a part of [[economics]], but it should be. The [[Coase theorem]] teaches that by removing [[transaction costs]], efficient levels of economic activity are attained. This creates [[infinity|infinite]] opportunities for all, and the potential for essentially infinite wealth. Most economists, including [[Milton Friedman]], initially rejected the [[Coase theorem]] until it was accepted decades later and even honored with an unshared [[Nobel Prize]]. | ||
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| + | == Infinite Food == | ||
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| + | Repeatedly [[Jesus]] demonstrated the existence of [[infinite|infinity]] food: the [[Multiplication of the loaves]] (which occurred often, as retold in every [[Gospel]], and the Casting of the Nets. Today, indeed, there is essentially infinite food in the world, such that obesity is a far greater problem than hunger. Thinking about food as being infinite, and thereby discarding food rather than eating it, can help in losing weight. | ||
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| + | == Infinite Wealth == | ||
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| + | Recognition of the concept of [[infinity|infinite]] wealth is useful in reducing unproductive time spent worrying about money. In practical terms, people who die with money in the bank had the equivalent of infinite wealth, more than enough to satisfy their needs. Hardly anyone dies wishing he had spent more time worrying about money. | ||
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| + | The differences in wealth between individuals often has virtually no real significance, just as [[infinity]] plus-or-minus an amount is still merely infinity. [[Jesus]] and many others throughout history got a lot done without any money at all. | ||
| + | == See also == | ||
| + | *[[Anselm of Canterbury]] | ||
[[category:infinity]] | [[category:infinity]] | ||
Latest revision as of 12:59, November 19, 2025
The logic of infinity opens the door to understanding mysteries that first appear to be illogical. Most people were schooled in mathematics and logic without the incorporation of infinity as having a central role. From a traditional mindset as taught in school, several parables of Jesus then seem illogical, until viewed through the logic of infinity.
For example, in the Parable of the Vineyard Workers the master has infinite resources, and pays all the workers the same daily wage regardless of how many hours they worked. Failing to grasp the concept of infinity, the workers who toiled all day complained about getting the same wage as the workers who put in only an hour or so of effort.
The parable is often taught as an illustration of generosity, and a cautionary tale against jealousy. But neither explanation helps understand why the workers should not have been surprised by the master's conduct. The lack of logic in the workers' reaction is understood only by a recognition of infinity. Those who worked longest should not have even been surprised, let alone disappointed, when a master having infinite resources paid everyone the same daily wage, rather than try to save money on workers who toiled less.
The Prodigal Son, considered by many to be the most beautiful story ever, can also be understood as illustrating the logic of infinity.
Additional illustrations of the logic of infinity in the Bible include the Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Parable of the Pearl, which are in Matthew 13.
Economics
Infinity is rarely a part of economics, but it should be. The Coase theorem teaches that by removing transaction costs, efficient levels of economic activity are attained. This creates infinite opportunities for all, and the potential for essentially infinite wealth. Most economists, including Milton Friedman, initially rejected the Coase theorem until it was accepted decades later and even honored with an unshared Nobel Prize.
Infinite Food
Repeatedly Jesus demonstrated the existence of infinity food: the Multiplication of the loaves (which occurred often, as retold in every Gospel, and the Casting of the Nets. Today, indeed, there is essentially infinite food in the world, such that obesity is a far greater problem than hunger. Thinking about food as being infinite, and thereby discarding food rather than eating it, can help in losing weight.
Infinite Wealth
Recognition of the concept of infinite wealth is useful in reducing unproductive time spent worrying about money. In practical terms, people who die with money in the bank had the equivalent of infinite wealth, more than enough to satisfy their needs. Hardly anyone dies wishing he had spent more time worrying about money.
The differences in wealth between individuals often has virtually no real significance, just as infinity plus-or-minus an amount is still merely infinity. Jesus and many others throughout history got a lot done without any money at all.