Numbers are more than abstract representations of quantity, but also have a qualitative dimension. Philosopher and inventor Arthur M. Young, author of The Geometry of Meaning and The Reflexive Universe has developed a "theory of process" which integrates science with ancient teachings. He discusses the descent of spirit into matter -- and the ascent back to spirit --through four levels which correspond to point, line, plane, solid; fire, water, air, earth--and other classic fourfold patterns.