The Origins of Mathematics.

Like every other aspect of human invention, mathematics has its origin, and like every technology, and mathematics is at least partly that, its origin is based upon needs of mankind. The particular needs are those arising from the wants of society. The more complex the society, the more complex the needs. The primitive tribe has little mathematical needs beyond counting. The complex society intent on building great temples, mustering conquering armies, or managing large capital assets has logistical problems that demand mathematics to solve.

Long before Pythagoras considered proving the famous theorem named after him, others tackled the just-as-complex operation of counting. You will see that for some the concept of two times two equals fours is advanced beyond comprehension, while for others counting past three is very complex. That counting began more than 50,000 years ago and many peoples even today and even in complex societies have trouble counting suggests that its creation was not as simple as we may believe.

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