As soon as a baby is born, their birth gets tagged with a number …The journey of numbers takes a long way from here. we often get identified with numbers …Some times it is our door number , ip number ,candidate number , waiting number,employee number,automobile number, etc. At times our worth is measured by numbers like that of net worth , Turnover , profit , package etc … Most of the times our connectivity is assured through a number ! That goes without saying is the Contact Number …..No matter whether you like it or not ,Number comes along… we keep our life simple by assigning numbers to everything … That’s how human work ! Infact one of the key attribute that differentiates human species from the rest is our quality of tagging numbers .But what does the number really means in a man’s life ? Let’s take a cycle ride to watch the number show !
{ Disclaimer : This article I have designed in such a way that for both numberphilic & numberphobic person , it’s not going to be a hunky dory ride …Enjoy the drive with Elena !}
Elena starts her day by tearing off a number ( the previous calendar date ) and ends the same by setting up a number (the alarm !) to schedule her next day. In a way , her life floats on numbers. Fascinated by the fancy dramas that prevails around the numbers , Elena sought her Grandpa’s help to unravel this mystery.
Elena : Dear Grandpa, I often wonder at numbers . How could the numbers play such a big role in our day-to-day lives ?
Grandpa : Yes, Indeed , the number is all ! Dear grand daughter, why are you so keenly interested in numbers at this point in time ? Did you fail again miserably in your math exam ?
Elena( In her Minds) : ( O , God ! Actually so true ! How did he notice it ? )
Elena to Grandpa :No , Grandpa .Hmm… As a part of my assignment , I have been given the task to understand the reason behind the creation of numbers and the inequality we face as a consequence !
Grandpa : Alright ,It’s true that we take help of numbers for our better understanding . But I won’t agree with your interpretation of numbers creating inequality . It’s a negative connotation on numbers.” Numbers” is the universal language .It knows no race , no religion… But we as humans use it to create a benchmark ( one of its application ). we often use it to compare things , to target policies and to identify the unknown.
Elena: Grandpa , I remember you saying ” Universe is infinite “. But our scientists are working so hard to represent everything out there in number … Why so ?
Grandpa: Oh Dear Elena , I am really surprised at your question ! you have started thinking smart these days ….
Elena (In her minds ) : ( Thanks to my Teacher for giving us the sample ready made questions. She must be smart enough! )
Elena to Grandpa : Yes , Of course Grandpa ! After all I am your grand daughter …I must be smart , right ?
Grandpa ( smiles ) : Okay , I agree . Now coming back to your question ,scientists are constantly helping us to explore our world better..To them , numbers are the facts that is not affected by the whims and fancies of human interpretation. They develop their hypothesis based on intuitions but their proofs are in numbers that is devoid of any human bias.It is not science without human Conscience !
Elena : What about other humans out there ? They measure ,justify theirs and judge other lives only through numbers . Here numbers are the deciding factor to know whether we are on track or not . A number will decide if I am good or bad student . A number will judge if I am eligible to dream ! . A number will tell whether I am in or out … Why is the number always limiting my capabilities ? I feel the sense of unlimited potential in me but the numbers always constricts my resources . Why ?
Grandpa : Now I understand the seriousness of your problem. I thought you have problem in solving numbers. Now I realize that ” Numbers are your problem ! “
Elena : Exactly ! I have no chemistry with numbers …
Grandpa :Oh Elena, Don’t feel bad about numbers . Since our resources in the world are limited , we must find a solution to optimally use it . we have to mark a line to feed the tummy of the poor and also give equal opportunity for everyone to compete . What the number limits is the current resources you have ! Not your potential …Don’t get yourself defined by numbers … As you say , everyone one of us have infinite potential . We need to work upon to create resources rather to consume everything !
Numbers can never limit our resources as long as we have clarity on our purposes!
Exploring Tision 