The Surprising History of Banned Numbers

Numbers, often seen as objective and neutral, have a surprisingly controversial past. Just like words, numbers can be powerful tools, capable of challenging established norms and conveying sensitive information. Throughout history, various authorities have deemed certain numbers dangerous enough to be outlawed. Let's delve into the fascinating story of illegal numbers and the reasons behind their prohibition.

From Irrationality to Illegality

The Ancient Greek Skepticism

The story begins in ancient Greece with the Pythagoreans, a school of thought that believed numbers held the key to understanding the universe. They believed that everything could be expressed in whole numbers or fractions. However, Hippasus, a Pythagorean himself, discovered irrational numbers, such as the square root of 2, which could not be expressed in this way. This discovery was seen as a major threat to their worldview. Legend has it that Hippasus was exiled or even drowned for revealing this unsettling truth.

The Rise and Resistance of Zero

Fast forward to the Middle Ages, when the Hindu-Arabic numeral system, including the concept of zero, was introduced to Europe. While merchants and bankers quickly recognized its advantages, authorities were wary. The new system was considered easier to forge, and the introduction of zero opened the door to negative numbers, which were associated with debt and moneylending – activities viewed with suspicion at the time. In the 13th century, Florence even banned the use of Hindu-Arabic numerals for record-keeping.

Modern Day Number Taboos

Even today, certain numbers are prohibited for various reasons. Some are banned because of their symbolic meaning, such as dates associated with revolutions or political figures. Others are illegal because of the information they carry. In the digital age, any type of information can be translated into a string of numbers. This means that copyrighted material, proprietary information, or state secrets can all be represented numerically. Possessing or distributing these numbers can be considered a criminal offense.

The Power of Numbers in the Digital Age

The concept of illegal numbers gained significant attention in 2001 when code used to decrypt DVDs was widely shared as a large prime number. This highlighted the potential for numbers to be used to bypass security measures and distribute protected information.

In conclusion, the history of banned numbers demonstrates that numbers, like words, can be powerful tools for expressing ideas and conveying information. As calculations and algorithms play an increasingly important role in our lives, the power of numbers will only continue to grow. Understanding the history and implications of illegal numbers is crucial in navigating the complex landscape of information and control in the digital age.