The Egyptian Oedipus, Volume II

...and it now falls upon us to demonstrate that the minimum is nothing other than one.

§ II.

The Maximum Unity equated with the Minimum Unity.

Since the concepts of "the exceeding" and "the exceeded" This refers to the comparative relationship where one thing is greater than another belong properly to numerical consideration, the soul is so accustomed to numbers that it cannot conceive of anything finite and bounded without them. If number were removed, the very distinction of things, their order, proportion, harmony, and the very multitude of beings—which cannot be conceived without numbers—would necessarily cease to exist.

But if that number were infinite, then (according to what has been said) the maximum would coincide in actuality with the minimum, and all the aforementioned things would likewise cease. This is because for a number to be infinite is the same as for it to not exist at all Kircher argues that an actual infinity destroys the distinct steps of counting, effectively reducing the number to zero or a non-entity in terms of practical math. In a finite number, one cannot designate one so great that a greater cannot potentially exist; however, to designate the "maximum number in act," than which no greater can be given, is to designate that which has neither beginning nor end to its multitude. Such a thing would be an infinite number, and consequently, it would admit no distinction of things, no order, no plurality, and no comparison of "more" or "less." Indeed, it would not be a number at all.

Therefore, it is necessary to reach a minimum in numbering, than which nothing less can exist; and this is unity (the number one). Since there can be nothing less than unity, this unity will be the "minimum simply," and thus it will coincide with the "maximum simply." This unity cannot be a "number" in the usual sense, as it lacks all comparison or excess; rather, it is the principle of all number. Nay, the minimum which this unity represents is the end of all number, because it is the maximum with which the minimum coincides.

It is, therefore, absolute unity, to which nothing is opposed: the Maximum itself simply, who is God the Blessed. Just as this Unity is the greatest, so it is capable of being multiplied and shared Meaning God's essence can be reflected in many created things without losing its own oneness, since it is everything that can be. Therefore, Unity itself cannot become a number. And this is what the Hebrews call Ein Sof original: "אין סוף" Ensuph; literally "Without End" or the Infinite, as we have explained in our work on the Cabala—the infinity of the divine essence. The Zohar The foundational work of Jewish mystical thought calls this unity the great and boundless sea:

A unity simple and absolute in its simple and most absolute unity; in every corner, on every side, and in every examination by which you examine it, you will perceive nothing except simple and supremely absolute unity. original Hebrew: "אחדות פשוט בתכלית אחדות הפשיטות..."

Let us now prove that this unity is so necessary that, if it did not exist, none of the created things could exist.