The Final Countdwon

“I am not a number, I am free man” – Number 6 (The Prisoner)

This week’s blog was a request, and the subject is numbers.

We are a media driven society, and every advertiser out there wants to try something quirky for us to memorise there product. A lot of this is done by the use of numbers; whether is 118 118 for directory inquiries to “1664” for Kronenburg Lager.

However I have a theory; my idea is that over a period of time we have become so saturated that we have reacted in four different ways. This, I believe is the whole cause of the credit crunch.

First set of people are called the “Spenders” these people do not fear numbers, they watch over the average amount of television, they are more sociable and of finally they are in debt. (45% of people)

The second set of people are called the “Scrooges” they fear they are not getting value for there money, they deny themselves luxuries, they shop in budget stores, they do not indulge in holidays and they are not that sociable and have a low paid job that does not change. (45% of People)

The third set of people are called the “Spirituals” they give lots of there money to good causes along with there time, they eat minimally and rely on community. They get very frustrated at the world’s ills and wish they could do more. They are blind happy, but have no resources. (5% of People)

The fourth set of people have it all; spiritual connection, they can spend at will and have all of life’s luxuries. They have a high paid job, great social life and are totally debt free. (5% of People)

You all think that I’ve obviously had too much sun, but living a fulfilled abundant life is a journey and one of the first steps is of course, no fear of money. The numbers do not play a significant role in their lives, and they use them for there actual purpose. A tally system, designed to measure where they are in achieving there goals.

Ok, that is very esoteric and me telling you about all this is very hypocritical, (the alert is flashing above my head) but what if we realise that numbers or in its greater role as mathematics is the language of the universe.

So why would be afraid of numbers, or have an irrational favour towards some?

I think we should look at some of the mythology behind some, let’s talk about 7, 8, 13 & 23.

The number seven; in Western culture this is deemed a lucky number. 7 is what we called neutral between Acid & alkaline, there are seven visible planets from Earth in the solar system, seventh day God rested, there are seven chakras, seven wonders of the world, seven bones in the neck erm…….. That is pretty much is it? Disappointed?

The number eight; this number is considered lucky in Eastern culture and is associated with prosperity and wealth, the eighth day of a Jewish boy’s life he is circumcised erm….. That pretty much is it? Disappointed?

The number thirteen; this number is considered unlucky in western culture. There were thirteen people at the last supper and Judas was the 13th person to sit down. Thirteen steps to the gallows and thirteen turns on the noose. Loki was the 13th god in Viking Folklore erm….. That pretty much is it? Disappointed?

The number twenty-three; this number has the conspiracy theorists going. Sportsman Shane Warne, Michael Jordan and David Beckham all wore the number 23. One of the sequence of numbers, in the code in “Lost”. In the Matrix 23 people are required to repopulate Zion. In Jeepers creepers the creeper comes out every 23 years to feast on human flesh for 23 days. Dr Pepper has 23 flavours. Julius Caesar was stabbed 23 times. John McCain was shot down on his 23rd mission. Shakespeare was born and died on the 23rd April. Psalm 23 is in the 23rd Book of the Bible.

The fear of numbers is irrational, and just encourages neurosis and paranoia. Our heads are full of phone numbers, pin numbers, house numbers & account numbers. We are constantly reminded that if we give away or not protect our numbers we would be cloned, our cash and identity gone.

Fear, Fear, Fear, Fear, the numbers are bad the numbers could ruin us. Let’s get rid of the numbers as quick as possible. Spend, Spend & Spend. Let’s distract ourselves from these numbers and watch television, Oh no the cycle starts again….. Fear, Fear & Fear.

Do you see where I am going?

Numbers are our friends as they help measure currency which can help us achieve our dreams and inner most desires. We will never deny ourselves what we want as numbers will continue to come to us with open arms.

As a culture we are not unique is fascination with numbers and each one has connotations in different countries from the number 21 in Vietnam meaning prostitute, to 69 being descriptive of a sex act, possibly representing Yin and Yang (A whole different blog).

Einstein said it best when asked if he remembers his phone number, and replied that he does not waste space in his mind for such things.

Maybe Number 6 was right, this not a number and a free man thing, could catch on?

Tally Ho!