Wisdom Builder

Three Tidbit Stories

Topic:

Math

The Language of the Universe.

MODE:

Speed: 1.00

Math.

3 random tidbit stories in about 3 minutes.

Idea 1.

A Math Story.

Extinction: Homo floresiensis.

48,000 BCE

58,000 to 48,000 BCE

Discovered in 2003, Homo floresiensis (also known as the “Hobbit”) inhabited the island of Flores in Indonesia from 190 to 50 thousand years ago. Humans arrived about 50,000 years ago and may be the reason for their extinction.

Lineage: Most likely not a Homo heidelbergensis, but a descendant species from an earlier ancient human. Perhaps from the very successful Dmanisi people, an Asian Homo erectus lineage, or perhaps even directly from Homo habilis, which might be the original Earth roamer. The link to Homo habilis is speculative and based on the smaller brain size and stature of the floresiensis people.

Imagined Image: A small group of Homo floresiensis in their natural habitat on the island of Flores, engaging in daily activities around a communal fire and interacting with the local fauna. This scene captures their unique adaptations and social behaviors within a lush volcanic landscape.

Survival: From about 190,000 BCE to 50,000 BCE, primarily on the island of Flores, Indonesia.
Size: Approximately 3’6″ to 3’10″ (a bit shorter than the pygmy in Africa at 4’11”).
Brain Size: 380 to 420 cm³.
Brain to Body Encephalization Quotient (EQ): Research ongoing, but roughly 3.2 (habilis=3.3 to 3.8; humans=7.4 to 7.8).

I wrote that Math Story,

and posted it to TST 3 years ago.

Idea 2.

A Math Term.

State.

A state is the current configuration of a concrete object or abstract entity’s properties, actions, and relations.

State becomes useful because it captures an entity as it is at a given moment. A concrete object or abstract entity can have properties, actions, and relations, but its state tells us how those features are currently configured. A door may be open. A child may be sleeping. A body may be sick. An argument may be unresolved. A belief may be uncertain. A system may be stable. State helps answer the question: what condition is this entity in right now?

State applies to both concrete objects and abstract entities. A concrete object has a state in the material world. A glass can be full, cracked, or falling. A tree can be alive, diseased, or cut down. These states map to empirical ideas. An abstract entity can also have a state within a rational framework. An argument can be valid, unresolved, or contradicted. A framework can be coherent, incomplete, or revised. These states map to rational ideas.

In TST metaphysics, state sits directly on the split between reality and ideas. The split makes state especially clear. A real thing has an actual state. Our idea of that thing contains a described state. John’s actual state is different from his described state of labels such as male, hungry, or awake. The labels help. They are not John. The actual state of a thing belongs to what is real. The described state belongs to the mind. We need described states because we cannot carry full reality in our heads. We simplify. But we must remember that the model is not the thing. A state description helps us think, but reality always remains richer than the description.

I wrote that Math Term,

and posted it to TST 5 months ago.

Idea 3.

A Math Quote.

“Follow the path of least resistance and live in harmony with the Dao.”.

Laozi.
circa 550 BCE.

This quote reflects the central tenets of Daoism (Taoism), a philosophy developed by Laozi, who advocated for living in harmony with the Dao, the ungraspable force that governs all of existence. In Daoist thought, life flows naturally like water, and following the “path of least resistance” is akin to living in a way that aligns with the Dao’s effortless nature. Laozi uses water as a frequent metaphor, highlighting its adaptability and power. Water doesn’t resist obstacles but moves around them gracefully, and humans are encouraged to do the same to avoid unnecessary struggles.

Philosophically, this concept touches on metaphysics, ethics, and natural philosophy. The Dao represents the essence of reality, and living according to its principles is seen as the most ethical way to exist. By yielding to the natural flow of events, people can achieve a state of balance and peace. Laozi’s ideas promote non-action (wu wei), where effort is minimized, and actions are performed in sync with the environment, rather than forcing outcomes. This approach discourages ambition that disrupts harmony and instead emphasizes humility and simplicity.

In practice, the idea of “following the path of least resistance” speaks to practical wisdom or pragmatism. It suggests that instead of resisting or controlling every situation, one should adapt to what is and let go of the need to impose will. In modern life, this could mean embracing flexibility, accepting change, and not overexerting oneself in pursuits that go against the natural course of things. By doing so, individuals can lead more fulfilling, peaceful lives, reflective of the Daoist philosophy of balance and harmony with nature.

I wrote that Math Quote,

and posted it to TST 2 years ago.

By Philosopher Michael Alan Prestwood