Numbers and You

                                      NUMBERS AND YOU

    Lately, I noticed I have been conscious of a particular phenomenon. Everywhere I go; whatever I see; everything I do, I seem to be critically aware of this particular concept- NUMBERS. Then I begin to ponder about the significance of numbers in our everyday lives.

    Imagine a world without numbers. There would be “NO MONEY!” what would trade be like? Without numbers we won’t be able to tell accurately when the match between our favorite team and their arch rival would start. Talk more of following the scores; or even determine how many players are on the pitch. I don’t even want to think what living would be like without numbers, it sure won’t be like what we have today and definitely not better.

    I came across the word “numerology”, a practice which attaches special significance to figures, their combinations, and their numerical totals. It is a widespread practice in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. One of the most popular aspects of numerology involves decoding the letters of the alphabet used in names to yield accurate information concerning personality, nature, qualities and shortcomings.

    Do numbers have hidden meanings? The numerologists quite rightly said “yes” and came up with a thought-provoking example-the incident of September 11, 2001. In numerology, 11 is considered one of the “master numbers” and came up with some ideas that relates the incident to the number 11.

Ø      The expression “New York City” has 11 letters.

Ø      The twin towers look like the number 11.

Ø      The plane that hit the north tower is flight 11.

Ø      The plane that hit the south tower has 65 passengers in it. 6+5 = 11.

Ø      The flight 11 had 92 people in it. 9+2 = 11.

Ø      September 11 was the 254th day of the year. 2+5+4 = 11.

Ø      The tragedy occurred on 9/11. 9+1+1 = 11.

   Attributing special meaning to numbers was also practiced in ancient times. Pythagoras, a Greek philosopher and mathematician who lived during the sixth century B.C.E., believed that all things can be reduced to numerical patterns. He believed that the whole world exemplifies order and proportion.

    Whether you believe in numerology or not is not the goal of this article. Rather, it is for us to appreciate numbers and its significance in shaping our lives into what it is today.