3. The solidarity of the universe 63 a. Strangeness of Isidore’s thinking 63 b. The conception of solidarity 64 c. Number 64 d. Allegory 65 4. The supernatural world 67 a. Contrast between mediæval and modern views 68 b. Method of apprehending the supernatural world 68 c. Relative importance of natural and supernatural 68 (1) In nature 68 (2) In man 69 (3) Asceticism 70 d. Inhabitants of supernatural world 70 (1) Theology 70 (2) Angelology 70 (3) Demonology 72 5. View of secular learning 73 a. Philosophy 73 (1) Conception of philosophy 73 (2) Attitude toward pagan philosophy 74 b. Poetry 74 c. Science 75 (1) Attitude toward pagan science 75 (2) Condition of pagan science 76 (3) Low place accorded to science 76 (4) Science harmonized with religious ideas 77 (5) Perversity of pagan scientists 78 6. View of the past 79 a. Pagan past as a whole dropped 79 b. Idea of the past dominated by Biblical tradition 79 c. Importance of Hebrew history 80 CHAPTER IV ISIDORE’S RELATION TO EDUCATION 1. Problem of Christian education 81 2. Cassiodorus’ solution 82 a. Theology 83 b. The seven liberal arts 83 3. The educational situation in Spain 84 4. Isidore’s solution 85 a. Attitude toward the secular subject-matter 85 b. Comprehensive educational scheme 86 (1) First eight books of the Etymologies 86 (2) The higher and the lower education 87