Culture of Illusion – Beware of mathematicians.

St. Augustine wished very hard for the invention of the pocket calculator.

It seems that, for a short time, the word for astrologer was the same as the word for mathematician. For this reason, for a long time St. Augustine would warn:

The good Christian should beware of mathematicians, and all those who make empty prophecies. The danger already exists that the mathematicians have made a covenant with the devil to darken the spirit and to confine man in the bonds of Hell.

De Genesi ad Litteram, Book II, xviii, 37, St. Augustine (354-430)

He was of course warning them against astrologers. Although maybe mathematicians were a threat too.

Either way, it does make me chuckle. I am chuckling right now.

*Chuckling*

astrologer/mathematician translation confusion

It seems that, for a short time, the word for astrologer was the same as the word for mathematician. For this reason, for a long time St. Augustine would warn:

The good Christian should beware of mathematicians, and all those who make empty prophecies. The danger already exists that the mathematicians have made a covenant with the devil to darken the spirit and to confine man in the bonds of Hell.

De Genesi ad Litteram, Book II, xviii, 37, St. Augustine (354-430) 

He was of course warning them against astrologers. Although maybe mathematicians are a threat too.

Either way, it does make me chuckle. I am chuckling right now.

Chuckling.

astrologer/mathematician translation confusion

It seems that, for a short time, the word for astrologer was the same as the word for mathematician. For this reason, for a long time St. Augustine would warn:

The good Christian should beware of mathematicians, and all those who make empty prophecies. The danger already exists that the mathematicians have made a covenant with the devil to darken the spirit and to confine man in the bonds of Hell.

De Genesi ad Litteram, Book II, xviii, 37, St. Augustine (354-430) 

He was of course warning them against astrologers. Although maybe mathematicians are a threat too.

Either way, it does make me chuckle. I am chuckling right now.

Chuckling.