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Why did Pythagoras put mathematics among the necessary preliminary disciplines for the study of philosophy? Here was part of the way to counteract man's natural materialism. It trained him to think abstractly, to hold pure ideas whose exactitude and truthfulness were indisputable. And he supported the teaching by pointing to the fact that the universe was founded on number. Finally, the higher use of mathematics was as an aid in symbolizing metaphysical principles.

-- Notebooks Category 7: The Intellect > Chapter 4 : Abstract Thought > # 120