Infinity

Let us first examine the idea of Space. Space is the mental

symbol for Infinity. Consider yourself as standing at a fixed point

in Space—then you must realize that there exists an infinite

distance or extension in Space, from that point, in an infinite

number of directions. Leaving out of consideration all objects

in space—considering Pure Empty Space—and you must see

that there is an endless extension possible, in innumerable

directions—extension without end. Imagine a number of miles

represented in a row of figures extending from earth to the most

distant star; then multiply that number by itself; and then the

product by itself; and so on, for a time equal to the number

of years since the Cosmic Day began. Then you would have a

number of miles, the written figures of which would fill all the

space that your mind is able of even conceiving. Then think of a

Being traveling to the extent of that measurement—would he

then be near the end of space? No! the distance traveled by him

would be as a mathematical “Nothing” or Zero, compared with

Infinite Space. No mathematician could have figured out the

infinitesimal smallness of the fraction denoting the comparison,

were he to have worked continually since the dawn of the

Cosmic day. The calculation would be endless, because the

result would be infinitesimal, and at the end, he would have

to place the sign of “infinity” back of it. Just think! To be able

to travel for all Eternity through Space without coming to an

end! You cannot come to an end of Space, even in thought or

imagination—try it! You will find that think as far as you will

into Space, there must always be Infinite Space beyond that

imagined point. There is “no up or down” in Space. Space is

something with its centre everywhere, and its circumference

nowhere. At the last, philosophy and science are compelled to

hold that “Space is merely the possibility of infinite extension; or

the infinite possibility of extension”—to the Universal Ether. In

the end, Ether is called the Great Mystery of Science. It must be

considered as a Nothing that is a Something. A leading scientific

lecturer said, and wrote, recently: “The Ether is unconditioned,

an entity of no properties but of all possibilities, or, more

exactly, not an entity at all, but an infinite possibility.” And, so

we find, even Matter and Things themselves, arising from and

being resolved into an Infinite Nothingness that is also Infinite

Possibility.

Postponing for the moment the consideration of the distinction between the Absolute and Infinity, which is uncommon in ordinary modern thought, we wish to call your attention to the fact that Infinity is not designated as “Not,” or as partaking of “not‑ness,” but is spoken of as “Nothingness,” which is a state of Nothing.

In the Arcane Teaching the words: "Nothing" and "Nothingness," signify "No-Thing," and "No-Thingness," respectively.

This may seem like metaphysical hair-splitting, but it is not.  Not having common words to express uncommon ideas, philosophers must needs split common words into shades of meaning and significance, or else remain silent with their thoughts unexpressed.

In order to understand the meaning of the word "Thing" to which these words are opposed.

The term "infinite" has an entirely different meaning, in its true sense, although the philosophers and metaphysicians often add to it the attributes of the Absolute, which is a mistake.  The word "infinite" in its true sense and essential meaning, implies a state of boundlessness; limitlessness; not circumscribed; as to time, space, variety, possibilities, combination, shape, form, etc.

Its essence may be understood by referring to the words from which it sprung, ie, the Latin words "in," meaning "not"; and "finitus" meaning "finished."  In short, the word "infinite" means "not finished; not complete; capable of unlimited manifestation, and possibilities."

So, you see, while the idea of "absolute" means fixed, complete independent state or condition; "infinite" mean a state of endless and unlimited possibilities of manifestion and expression.

Therefore the Aphorism practically says that Infinity is a “Latency” that is No‑Thing in reality, but yet has an existence of some kind, at least potentially. It can contain naught actually apparent to the senses; naught that can be experienced; naught that can be sensed; naught that can be thought of by the intellect, nor pictured in the imagination—in short, nothing that is capable of inducing a mental image in your mind. And yet it exists (if the word can be used) as a state or condition in which

all is in Latency, Possibility, Futurity, Potentiality, and Promise.

The true philosophical idea of Infinity, consists of the conception of any sort of mental object as having the quality of quantity which cannot be exhausted by any succession of experiences, however prolonged or extended, in time, space, variety, or number. By holding this idea in mind, you will never make the mistake of confounding infinity with absoluteness, hereafter.

The chief cause of the confusion arises from the unauthorized use of the term "infinite" in relation to "power."  Power belongs to the Absolute, and is not one of the attributes of Infinity.  "Infinite Power" would mean an infinite possibility of the manifestation and expression of unlimited power; while Absolute Power means all the Power there is, fixed, independent and sovereign, unvarying and immutable, and not subject to changes of degree, etc.  Absolute Law is not an infinite capacity for expression of power--It is Power-in-Itself.

As Schopenhauer says: "It is already a doctrine of Aristotle, that Infinity can never be actu (actual, given, fixed) but only potentia (in possibility, latency, promise, potentiality)."

And as Lewes says: "If Zero is the sign of a vanished quantity, the Infinite is the sign of continuity."

We trust that you now see that the Absolute could never become Relative or Many--and that the Infinite alone is capable of endless changes in shape, form, variety, in time, space, and number; and contains within itself the promise, possibility, latency, and potentiality of Everything.

The Arcane Teachers, in the olden time, illustrated this to their pupils by the following symbols: The Figure "1" standing for the Absolute, and being fixed, independent, sovereign, and alone.  By itself, and in itself it is incapable of multiplying or dividing--multiply anything by "1"; or divid anything by "1," and the thing remains unchanged.  Multiply or divide "1" by itself, and the answer is still "1," showing that the Absolute cannot be increased or divided, even by itself.  Subtract "1" from itself and the result is "0," showing that if the Absolute were subtracted from it, it would cease to exist, and there would be naught left but the Infinite Nothingness.

Then the Teachers call the attention of the pupil to the Zero, or "Infinite Nothing" symbol, ie "0." In itself, "0" means Nothing. Multiply or divide anything by "0," and the answer is always "0." Multiply or divide anything by "0," and the answer is always "0." Multiply "0" by itself, and "0" remains--the Infinite cannot increase itself, for in its circle it includes All Possibility.  But divid "0" by itself--and lo! "0 into 0 goes 1 time": the answer is "1." showing that if the Infinite be divided by itself, the Absolute is found to be at its center, undisturbed, independent, self-existent.  The symbol of Infinity, in mathematics, however, is not "0" or Unmanifest Infinity, but (infinity symbol) which indicates Manifest Infinity, the symbol always indicating endless continuation of action.

Now the symbol of the Infinite Nothing, becoming Infinite Everything.  Place a string of "0's," as follows: 0000000000000000000--you see that they still mean "Nothing."  Now place "1" (the symbol of the Absolute), before the string and we have 100000000000000000000000, which we may enlarge to infinite number by the addition of "0's." Or place the Absolute "1," behind the string, and we have .000000000000000001, a very small decimal, which may be carried to infinitesimal smallness by the addition of "0's."  Thus we see, by symbols, that the action of the Absolute Law on the Infinite Nothingness produces Infinite Greatness or Infinite Smallness.