--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Number is different from quantity. This…" description: "\"Number is different from quantity. This difference is basic for any sort of theorizing in behavioral science, any sort of imagining of what goes on bet..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/acb/gregory-bateson-7135_different_number-is-different-from-quantity-this-d_1266664.jpg" --- # Number is different from quantity. This difference is… ![“Number is different from quantity. This difference is basic for any sort of theorizing in behavioral science, any sort of imagining of what goes on between organisms or inside organisms as part of their processes of thought.” quote by Gregory Bateson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/acb/gregory-bateson-7135_different_number-is-different-from-quantity-this-d_1266664.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/acb/gregory-bateson-7135_different_number-is-different-from-quantity-this-d_1266664.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/acb/gregory-bateson-7135_different_number-is-different-from-quantity-this-d_1266664.jpg) > “Number is different from quantity. This difference is basic for any sort of theorizing in behavioral science, any sort of imagining of what goes on between organisms or inside organisms as part of their processes of thought.” [Gregory Bateson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gregory-bateson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Quantity counts numbers; number is the abstract concept behind them, essential for scientific theory. **In simple terms:** Numbers differ from quantities. Key Takeaway Distinguish abstract from concrete. Themes science philosophy theory Mood thoughtful analytical Type educational philosophical When to use this quote - research - data analysis - education - model building Key Concepts abstraction measurement Questions to Reflect On - How does confusing number with quantity affect research? - Can you think of examples where this distinction matters? A Different Perspective Abstract concepts can be hard to communicate clearly. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Different](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/different/) [Different Quantity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/different-quantity-376160/) [Mathematics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mathematics/) [Number](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/number/) [Number Different](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/number-different-376161/) [Numbers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/numbers/) [Quantity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/quantity/) [Quantity Difference](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/quantity-difference-4045641/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) ## Related quotes > [Number is different from quantity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gregory-bateson/number-is-different-from-quantity/) [Gregory Bateson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gregory-bateson/) > [Desired substance, things, patterns, or sequences of experience that are in some sense "good" for the organism - items of diet, conditions of life,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gregory-bateson/desired-substance-things-patterns-or-sequences-of-experience-that-are/) [Gregory Bateson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gregory-bateson/) > [Numbers are the product of counting. 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