Infinitesimal

Infinitesimal means infinitely small, approach zero in the limit. It is a modern concept that is a byproduct of the acceptance of the concept of infinity itself, which the Ancient Greeks and Ancient Romans mistakenly refused to recognize. In some ways infinitesimal is a more powerful concept, both intellectually and personally, than zero is. For example, someone can survive on infinitesimal sustenance off the grid, as writer Henry David Thoreau demonstrated, but not zero sustenance.

Reflecting its belated acceptance, the word itself did not exist in the English language until 1706. See Best New Conservative Words.

Like other aspects infinity, the concept of infinitesimal offers a powerful way to solve problems and even handle stress.[Citation Needed] Calculus advanced largely through an understanding and use of the infinitesimal.

The often-scarce resource of time, for example, becomes infinitely abundant if divided into infinitesimal segments.

Jesus introduced the concept of infinite time, or eternity, and infinitesimal time follows from that.

## In Literature[edit]

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, which many (including Kurt Vonnegut) consider to be the greatest American short story, uses an infinitesimal period of time to spellbind the audience.