Today, let's dive into some fascinating ideas about numbers – specifically seven and two – from the writings of Philo of Alexandria, a Jewish philosopher who lived around the time of Jesus. Philo, deeply influenced by both Greek philosophy and Jewish tradition, offers a unique perspective.
He sees the number seven as "clean," a virgin number, untouched and complete. It’s a fascinating concept, isn't it? Philo argues that seven is "free from all admixture, and without any parent." It doesn't generate anything, nor is it generated. He sees it as akin to the unit, the number one, which is uncreated and the cause of creation itself. Seven, in Philo's view, awakens the virtues needed for creating beings.
But then there's two. Poor number two. Philo considers it "unclean." Why? Because it's "empty, not solid." He says it's the beginning of "infinite immensity" due to its materiality, and it's unequal. Now, Philo doesn't just leave it at that. He connects these numerical ideas to morality and the human soul.
He divides the irrational parts of our soul – the parts without intellect – into seven categories: the five senses, the vocal organ, and the seminal organ. In a virtuous person, these are "clean," feminine aspects, held in check by reason. But in a wicked person? There's a "twofold wickedness," a mixing of things that shouldn't be mixed. This leads to doubt, perplexity, and a soul stained like a body with leprosy. Ouch.
Philo then brings in the idea of nourishing seed, drawing from scripture. On a literal level, it means preserving the races of creatures. But on a deeper, moral level, it speaks to the need for clean motions within the irrational parts of the soul. Even if the "animals" – the passions – themselves aren't clean, they can still contain the seeds of virtue.
Now, this idea of contrarieties within us is key. Philo says human nature is capable of both virtue and wickedness. He connects this to the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Our intellect, with its knowledge and intelligence, comprehends both good and evil. Good, Philo says, is akin to the number seven. Evil? The brother of duality.
He even touches on the importance of nourishing seed "in all the earth," both literally and morally. It’s God’s nature to fill empty places with life, not to abandon our earthly bodies as if they were devoid of life.
Philo warns that indulging in excessive pleasures – drinking, eating, lust – turns us into bearers of a corpse. But if God has compassion and turns away the overflow of vices, He can "make the body living," animating it with a purer soul guided by wisdom.
So, what does all this mean for us today? Philo's ideas, while steeped in ancient numerology and philosophy, offer a powerful message about the importance of balance, reason, and cultivating virtue within ourselves. It's a reminder that we have the capacity for both good and evil, and it's up to us to choose which path to follow, to strive for that completeness represented by the number seven, and to avoid the pitfalls of duality and excess. Are we actively tending to the "seed" of virtue within ourselves, or are we letting the "corpse" of indulgence take over? It's a question worth pondering.