Stuff To Blow Your Mind cover image

From the Vault: Where do numbers come from?

Stuff To Blow Your Mind

00:00

A New Approach to Number Marking

Ancient people could mark objects like bones and shells on purpose, not just accidentally. From here, these systems of tally marks led through a process that derico calls cultural exaptations. This lead to the invention of abstract number signs which could store numbers more efficiently than a one to one tally system.

Play episode from 24:05
Transcript

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app