Syamasundara: Bertrand Russell (1872 – 1970) comes in the tradition of the British empiricists, which believes that nothing outside of our senses can give us any knowledge. But still, he was never able to believe that simple mathematical principles like “Two plus equals four” are merely generalizations which we derive from our experience. He says that these things must be eternal principles, such as “Two plus two equals four.”
Prabhupada: Yes. So mathematical calculations, if it is perfect, then it is all right. Just like a child is born: father plus mother equal to child. So this is all right. But if one says that without father, through mother only, child, then how this is mathematical calculation? Whenever there is a child, it is to be understood that there is father and mother.
If somebody says “No. Without father, simply mother gives birth to a child,” then what kind of calculation is this? Similarly, these so-called philosophers, they simply think the nature is all-in-all, but that’s not the fact. Nature is prakrti, just like mother. There must be father. But they do not believe in father. So what kind of mathematical calculation?
That is not mathematical calculation; that is concoction. Mathematical calculation—“Two plus two equal to four”—is a fact everywhere. Either you go to Europe or America or anywhere you go, that mathematical calculation—“Two plus two equal to four”—it can be understood. Similarly, it is very easy to understand that without father, mother cannot give birth to a child.
Similarly, this nature, without the supreme father, Krsna, she cannot give any birth. But these modern philosophers, scientists, they are struck with wonder simply by observing the natural activities. So Krsna says that “Background of these natural activities is I.” Mayadhyaksena prakrtih suyate sa-caracaram [Bg. 9.10]. “Under My supervision.”
Just like prakrti, woman, the girl, naturally, when she is young, her father’s direction, er, when she is child. When she is young, husband’s direction. When she is old, elderly children’s, son’s, direction. In India at least you’ll find, woman has no independence. And to remain dependent under father, under husband or elderly boys, that is their happiness.
And in Western countries I see they’re so-called independent, but still the women’s are so unhappy. So mathematical calculation means you should take the natural sequence, no artificial introduction. That will not make us happy.
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