Faces Quote by Alfred North Whitehead
“Through and through the world is infested with quantity: To talk sense is to talk quantities. It is no use saying the nation is large. . . . How large? It is no use saying the radium is scarce. . . . How scarce? You cannot evade quantity. You may fly to poetry and music, and quantity and number will face you in your rhythms and your octaves.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Process and Reality, 1929
The quote emphasizes that quantitative measures pervade all aspects of reality, even in arts, and that meaningful discussion must address underlying quantities.
In simple terms: Quantities underlie everything, even poetry and music.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and engage with the numbers behind phenomena.
Themes
philosophy
science
art
language
Mood
reflective
analytical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
critical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- musical composition
- poetic analysis
- policy planning
- education
Key Concepts
process philosophy
quantitative analysis
metaphysics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do numbers shape your perception of art?
- When might focusing on quantity be limiting?
A Different Perspective
Quantitative focus may overlook qualitative nuances and subjective experience.
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
