Welcome to the Classical Liberal Arts Academy. In this lecture, Academy headmaster William C. Michael leads students through Book I, Chapter 1 of Nicomachus of Gerasa’s "Introduction to Arithmetic" — one of the foundational texts of classical and Scholastic education. This lesson explores the philosophical origins of mathematics and its relationship to wisdom. Nicomachus teaches that true wisdom concerns eternal, unchanging realities, and that mathematical study belongs to this higher order of truth. Drawing on the Pythagorean tradition, he distinguishes between practical skill and theoretical knowledge, showing why mathematics is a path to wisdom. What You’ll Learn: The meaning of philosophy as the love of wisdom. How Pythagoras first made science systematic. Why true wisdom concerns unchanging, immaterial realities. The difference between material and immaterial things. Why mathematical objects — like numbers and geometric forms — are eternal and unchanging. How the study of mathematics leads the soul toward truth and God. Key Ideas to Remember Philosophy means “love of wisdom.” True wisdom is knowledge of unchanging realities. Mathematical objects are immaterial and eternal. Mathematics is a proper path to wisdom because it studies eternal truths. About the Classical Liberal Arts Academy The Classical Liberal Arts Academy (CLAA) is dedicated to restoring and teaching the complete classical Catholic curriculum — the Trivium and Quadrivium — in the spirit of the great Catholic teachers and philosophers. If you’re not yet enrolled, you can join us for self-paced studies at: https://classicalliberalarts.com For help or support, visit: https://classicalliberalarts.com/support #ClassicalEducation #Arithmetic #Nicomachus #LiberalArts #CatholicEducation #Mathematics #Philosophy #Wisdom #WilliamMichael #ClassicalLiberalArtsAcademy