The Importance of Zero

It's a tough thing; a tough thing, and odd. But not necessarily a bad thing.

While the mathematical significance of numbers is unquestionable, the emotional significance is no less monumental. Without the numbers 1, 2 and 3, I would not be able to count the spheres of people's eyes when, in a nominal situation to them, I am desperately biding my time, searching for an exit way. Without the numbers 0, 2, 3 and 6, I would be left to exigently seek a new system of word-codes. The absence of numbers would leave everyone vacant of the knowledge of birthdays, anniversaries, appointments, and schedules. Chaos would be captain of that ship. And these things are directly responsible for our emotional health. We find comfort in having schedules; we take pride in being punctual; we keep others happy by remembering birthdays and anniversaries. This knowledge is good for us, and it is dependent upon a system of numerals.

And we use people daily. We use our friends and family, our loved ones, our enemies, strangers, store clerks, employers/employees—everyone. And again, while this has the potential of evil, it is not so inherently.

Allow me to explain. The negative connotation to the verb "to use" in regards to relationships has become transient and nonsensical; everybody assumes it's a bad thing, but nobody really thinks about the meaning.

***Hypothetical Situation #1: A man dates a very attractive girl, not so much because he likes her for "who she is" but merely because she is attractive.

***Hypothetical Situation #2: A woman marries a wealthy man not because she is "in love" with him, but because she wants to have a safe place for her children and money can provide security.

Here's what I say: both of those situations are fine with me. I see no problem with them whatsoever. Relationships, after all, are all about what you have to give to the other person and what you can get out of them. Few, if any, people get into a relationship for no reason whatsoever. "Oh, I just feel like calling someone my boy/girlfriend today" is probably not an expression that has ever been muttered. Most want to squelch the pang of loneliness, or fulfill the instinct of matrimony, or satisfy some carnal hunger (hopefully the latter can be squelched in most cases). I want to be in a relationship for the companionship, the sharing of experiences with someone, the comfort of another's arms around me, the convenience of having someone help me with Life. A vast multitude of other things, as well. What I want to give: the same things back; as well as the protection of my furious fists, the experience to save them trouble and pain, the knowledge to make them comfortable and provide security with a home and a family and all the other beautifully barbaric necessities of Life.

So, am I "using" someone to get specific things? Are they not "using" me for the things they can get out of me?

Of course! If a female chooses me over some other guy, not because she likes me more, but because I can offer something they can't, I'm okay with that. And I think most people would be if the idea is couched in such terms. Use me for my love, and I shall provide it. Hence, the nature of relationships.

What, then, do numbers have to do with using people? Essentially everything. But track with me here. The number zero is circular and begins a sequence of numbers that continue into infinity. The number nine is a circle with a tail pointing south that, in symbol value, ends the sequence of numbers. The circle begins the sequence, and the circle grows a tail pointing south to end it. In the middle of the sequence are various shapes and dimensions that comprise the whole of the numerical system. Hopefully this is starting to make sense. Relationships begin with a promise, a pact. In other words, a circle. And relationships end in, at worst, a broken promise (a tine pointing south) and at best, a fulfilled death. In between one finds a plethora of shapes and sizes and eternal dimensions of shade. Without a pattern of numbers, no real happiness would exist in relationships, as well as no measure of success. We use numbers, we count on each other; we use each other and we number everything in life. I have had 1 relationship. That number will mean something to any future partner. And it will mean something very different from the number 9. At the End, we will view our lives and relationships as a series of numbers (I only swore 1,453,590 times); I loved my wife on each and every day of my life (298,914 days).

Count your blessings in Life, and never underestimate the importance of a circle--no other shape means as much: except, perhaps, a triangle.

Tschuss!