De docta ignorantia

But since from what was previously held it is established that the maximum simply can be none of those things which are known or conceived by us, hence, when we propose to investigate it symbolically, it is necessary to leap over simple likeness. For since all mathematical things are finite and cannot even be imagined otherwise, if we wish to use finite things as an example for ascending to the maximum simply, it is first necessary to consider finite mathematical figures with their properties and reasons; secondly to transfer those reasons correspondingly to such infinite figures; after this, thirdly, still more highly to transume the reasons themselves of the infinite figures to the simple infinite, most absolute even from all figure, and then our ignorance will be taught incomprehensibly how we, laboring in an enigma, should more rightly and truly think concerning the most high.

Acting thus therefore and beginning under the direction of the maximal truth, we say that holy men and of most elevated genius, who applied themselves to figures, have spoken variously. The most devout Anselm compared maximal truth to infinite straightness; following whom we shall turn to the figure of straightness, which I imagine as a straight line. Other most skilled men compared the thrice-blessed Trinity to a triangle of three equal and right angles. And since such a triangular thing will necessarily be of infinite sides (as will be shown) it can be called an infinite triangle; and these too we shall follow. Others, who endeavored to figure infinite unity, called God an infinite circle. But those who considered the most actual existence of God affirmed God as it were an infinite sphere. But we shall show that all these at once conceived rightly of the maximum, and one opinion of them all.