Lorie, my fellow recruitment assistant in JS Gaisano, interviewed an applicant who majored in Mathematics. She asked, "Why did you study Math?" The applicant gave a three-word impressive answer...
"Numbers don't lie."
Exactly. Numbers are truthful. They are definite, specific and accurate. As early as our toddler years, we are taught that 1 + 1 = 2. It never becomes 11. When we go to universities and solve complicated algebra or trigonometry problems, there will only be one answer, one truth.
Two other characteristics of numbers possibly stem from this idea. First, numbers are universal. Culture, tradition, trend, manners and practices vary in different countries but numbers remain the same. As a language teacher, it's quite easy for me to teach numbers because everytime I write "1" and say "one", the kids instantly understand its counterpart in their language.
Second, numbers are useful. They have determined the diameter of a thumbtack, formulas of experiments in the laboratory, height of the tallest tower in the world or the force of the gravity of the Earth. This is also applicable in our daily lives when we need to measure the number of cups of rice, pay the transport fare or budget our time.
Last night, while I was about to sleep, a thought popped into my mind. Because numbers reveal the black and white, that's the reason why they sometimes pressure people. Well, pressure is usually the initial word but what they actually promote is the acceptance of truth. Anyway, the following exemplifies the moments of pressure (or truth)...=)
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We envy the sexy stars because the tape measure says we're too fat or skinny.
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We look up to models because of our short height or bowlegs.
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We sometimes worry because we're not getting any younger and yet our dreams are still far to reach.
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We count the days in the calendar until our next salary to buy, pay or do this and that.
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We look at our passbook and, with the financial demands of life, sigh because it's not yet enough to start or raise a family.
Numbers. It's amazing how simple things tell us to appreciate the truth.
