A Beginner's Guide to Constructing the Universe - The Mathematical Archetypes of Nature, Art and Science by Michael S. Schneider describes in great detail the importance, usage, meaning and myths that relate to the numbers one through nine and the decad which is created by leaving the realm of the single digits and moving on to the number ten. Each chapter is devoted to the mathematics and geometric shapes that are based on each of the numbers.

The story of numbers begins appropriately with the number one. The number is referred to as the monad. The first principle of the monad is the beginning of light, space, time and power and in all directions, and is symbolic of the entire universe. The monad is the backdrop for the creation of all the succeeding numbers.

The number two, or the dyad, follows. It is through the interplay of the monad and the dyad that the birth of the rest of the single digits is made possible. The monad and the dyad are, at times, referred to as the mother and father and the remaining single digits numbers are their children. The dyad is associated with polarity. Although it strays from home, the dyad still has ties to home and maintains a need to stay connected to the monad.

Together the monad and the dyad create the next seven single-digit numbers. The triad is the breakthrough number that gets us past the polarization of the monad and the dyad. Three symbolizes our connection to the universe although we recognize that we are separate entities. The tetrad represents volume and dimension. The pentad represents life itself.

The hexad brings structure, function and order to the mix. The heptad is the "enchanting virgin." It is "untouched" because none of the other single digit numbers can divide it. The octad provides the means for self-renewal and infinite growth. The ennead is the penultimate number and represents the greatest achievement possible for man. It is also considered the horizon number because when going beyond the number nine, man enters into two digit numbers and a new reality. Ten is also known as the decad. The decad encompasses all the single digits within its realm.

The book provides the strengths, uses and myths connected with each of the numbers as well as the geometric polygons that are based on them. The reader learns the ties that man has to the cosmos and to the numbers that are the underlying connective tissue of the universe and everything in it. The book teaches the reader to look for the numbers and geometry in everything. The polygons that are based on the numbers can be seen in every entity from the galaxies and man to the animals and plants, providing evidence that we were all connected by design.