Numerology: It Doesnt Add Up

Luke Dery Massachusetts Academy of Mathematics and Science An accurate way to understand the nature of science is to keep explanations simple. In a world that is currently overflowing with information, people often get caught up in a web of false data. According to the concept of Occams razor, this false information can be filtered out by avoiding assumption and trusting the facts. The notion of Occams razor was devised William of Ockham. He was a simple monk, which was likely the reason he was so captivated by a basic way of thinking. Occams razor stresses the fact that people should make the fewest assumptions possible and should seek out the simplest explanation for any theory. Numerology is a pseudoscience that claims to predict and define the personality of a person based on numerical symbolism (Numerology, n.d.). Pythagoras, who invented the Pythagorean Theorem and fathered much of mathematics, once said that the world is built upon the power of numbers (Numerology, n.d.). Although he has no connection with numerology, this quote declares the basis of what numerologists believe. According to numerology, the name of a person can be analyzed so that its parts and letters translate into numbers (Decoz, 2006). These numbers can then be dealt with in order to convey the characteristics of the person. Numerologists analyze names based on full, last, middle, first, and nicknames. They translate each into numbers, which are assigned such elements as personality, future success, joys, and emotions to a person (Decoz, 2006). There are many different numerology systems, but they all convey a similar belief that numbers define who we are. The main assumptions numerologists make is that somehow the human body has a way of detecting and implementing the message hidden in our name. Therefore, they assume that the body has a so far unknown organ or part that is capable of such an intangible feat. Among those who study numerology, Hans Decoz is regarded as an expert in this field (Decoz, 2010); he has studied numerology for twenty years. Originally from the Netherlands, Decoz now lives in Arizona. According to his biography, he gives lectures around the world, along with teaching courses on numerology at various schools. He has written a book called Numerology: The Key to Your Inner Self, and invented Decoz Numerology Software, a program that states your numerology and was the first even program to make numerology charts (Decoz, 2010). Decoz appears to be an accomplished man with knowledge of both writing and technology, but it is difficult to determine whether he is a hermit scientist. He does not specify where or when he lectures, but it seems that he does involve himself with the science field by teaching school courses (Decoz, 2010). Based on the three qualifications stated in Fads and Fallacies, Decoz does not seem to qualify as a hermit scientist (Gardner, 1952). He does not write arrogantly and with a sense of genius, he does not insult his colleagues, and he does not portray himself as some sort of martyr for numerology (Gardner, 1952). He appears to be a man who loves what he studies. Although his qualifications are not perfect, I would regard him as a decent source for numerological reference. The question is whether his theories are correct. Although numerology is supposedly present in all names, it can only be proven to be true for special cases. There are many variables that alter its accuracy. There are two more simple explanations for numerology that are not definite, but apply Occams razor to the topic. First of

all, strict numerologists often calculate their numerology and rearrange their lives to fit that predication. This is a self-fulfilling prophecy, which is the way many people try to make their daily horoscopes come true. Some people even change their names or keep their maiden name to avoid changing their personality and becoming a different person. Therefore, there are too many assumptions to believe numerology. Numerology also lacks the evidence to be established as legitimate. The second simpler explanation for numerology involves the lack of proof from real people. People who support numerology give proof by using certain people whose numbers accurately fit their real personalities and actions. This includes Adolf Hitler, whose numerology was 666, representing the number of the beast, or the devil (Numerology, n.d.). Although numerology may be true for some people, most claim that it is truly coincidental. This is emphasized by the fact that Hitler was one of few who has happened to have a correct numerology and by the fact that his numerology was advertised by his fame. Millions of human beings have never had their numerology connected with their characteristics, so no one can generalize that numerology is statistically true. It is also worth noting that many well-known people do not have true numerologies. However, numerologists revert back to the fact that the universe is defined by numbers, and it makes sense that humans would be too. The pseudoscience of numerology seems to have too many holes for it to be considered a scientific truth. Although the arguments of the math of nature and effects on people seem to make sense, there is not enough evidence to prove this theory. Through Occams razor, the simplest explanation of numerology would be coincidence. It would be too great an assumption to believe that what is supposedly true for a few people is true for all of mankind. It is also impossible to prove if peoples personalities are connected to numerology, or if numerology shapes the personalities of its followers. So until mathematics defines such intangible things as personality and emotion, numerology will remain a pseudoscience.

Literature Cited Decoz, Hans. (2010). Hans Decoz Bio. Retrieved from http://www.hansdecoz.com/ Decoz, Hans. (2006). Numerology. Retrieved from http://www.decoz.com/Calculations5.htm Gardner, Martin. (1952). Fads and Fallacies in the Name of Science. New York, NY: Dover Publications. Numerology. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/n/ numerology.html