Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
The highest form of living is found in the purity and truth of mathematics. It represents ultimate clarity and structure.
In plain terms
Living at your best means seeking the clarity and truth found in math.
What can you take from it?
Seek the clarity and truth that mathematics offers in life.

Where it applies

  • pursuing knowledge
  • seeking truth
  • abstract thinking

Putting it to work

  • study mathematics
  • seek clarity in thinking
  • value abstract truths

Questions to consider

  • What does it mean to live mathematically?
  • Where do you find clarity in your life?

Another view

Not all aspects of human life can be captured by mathematical structures.

More from Novalis

  1. As translated by W. Hastie in Thoughts on Religion, Pt. 1, 'Hymns and Thoughts on Religion' (1888), edited by W. Hastie

    Permalink to quote #25

  2. Reine Mathematik ist Religion.

    Permalink to quote #27

  3. Die Liebe wirkt magisch. Sie ist der Endzweck der Weltgeschichte, das Amen des Universums.

    Permalink to quote #24

Related quotes

  1. Everything is self-evident.

    Rene DescartesRene Descartes quote #18

  2. Knowledge: 'True meaning is an apparition. Life is complex and full of illusions. Absolute understanding in this life is unattainable, and time without profoun…

    Bryant McGillBryant McGill quote #27

  3. The only absolute knowledge attainable by man is that life is meaningless.

    Leo TolstoyLeo Tolstoy quote #128