Norman W. Wilson: And There Is Four

by Norman W Wilson, PhD

Mankind has been fascinated by numbers for centuries. Today we have giant computers that run numbers twenty-four-seven. The number four is one number that has enjoyed that fascination.

It is so much more than just the number following three or the sum of three plus one. Historically, it most likely was a part of the Arabic-Hindu numerical system. Undoubtedly you've heard of the Four Corners of the Earth, the Four Elements, The Four Directions, The Four Seasons, and the Four Phases of the Moon. Some of you may have heard of The Four Noble Truths. But are you aware of the other ways the number four is involved in your daily lives?

In Hinduism there are the Four Cardinal Virtues of non-violence, truth, purity, and self-control. In Buddhism there is the Groups of Four: The Four Noble Truths, The Four Mental Principles, The Four Bases of Success, The Four Divine States of Mind and The Four Virtues Conducive to Social Welfare.

Plato offered up his Four Virtues of Wisdom, Courage, Self-control, and Justice.

In Christianity there are the Four Cardinal Virtues of Prudence, Justice, Temperance, and Fortitude. The Sioux Indians have the Four Virtues of Bravery, Fortitude, Generosity, and Wisdom.

English is the only language in which there is no other number whose letters equal its value. The number four on a calculator consists of four light bars. Don't forget, for those of you who are card players, there are four suits in a deck of cards. And for luck, we have the four leaf clover. Maps use four colors to outline different countries. We have four temperaments: melancholic, choleric, sanguine, and phlegmatic.

And, it takes four quarters to make a buck.

Norman W Wison and his wife Suzanne are Camano Island residents.  This essay used by permission from the author. His website is http://www.shamanicmysteries.com

Comments

[carriescreativekitchen]

what kind of bird is in this picture?
they look amazing!