Beth SouthwellThe benefits of a holistic approach to education has been acknowledged by educators and, in view of the historical background of mathematics as a discipline, it may enhance performance in mathematics if more emphasis is placed on the wonder and mystery formally associated with the subject than is currently the case. In a tentative trial in this regard, two secondary pre-service students were asked to respond to a series of questions and images related to the spirit of mathematics and their own views of spirituality. From two different backgrounds, these responses identified concepts of order and relationships as key factors in their views of mathematics and its spirit.