The Neolithic Revolution is an important milestone in human progress. Mathematics was essential for the Neolithic Revolution. So transitively, mathematics is necessary for human progress.
In the context of the Neolithic Revolution, it does seem like math was instrumental because it connected pretty directly to productive activities. However, I have the impression much of frontier math development today happens without any obvious connection to real world activities.
Great post, Maxwell! Strongly upvoted.
In the context of the Neolithic Revolution, it does seem like math was instrumental because it connected pretty directly to productive activities. However, I have the impression much of frontier math development today happens without any obvious connection to real world activities.