Whether if soul did not exist time would exist or not, is a question that may fairly be asked for if there cannot be someone to count there cannot be anything that can be counted, so that evidently there cannot be number for number is either what has been, or what can be, counted.

Summary

This quote contemplates the relationship between the existence of the soul and the concept of time. It suggests that the question of whether time would exist without the presence of a soul arises because, without someone to count or perceive the passing of time, there would be no concept of counting or numbers. Therefore, the presence of a soul is seen as essential for the existence and understanding of time.