The Origin of Mathematics

Some say the Babylonians started it all when they realized 
there was more to life than growing
tomatoes, cabbages, and cucumbers.

So they started scratching out wedge-shaped symbols 
on little clay tablets which eventually
turned out to be our present-day numbers.

Yes, some will argue that mathematics began 
along the Tigris and Euphrates in old Babylonia,
Although there are those who claim it began with 
Thales of Miletus along coastal Ionia.

Now others will say mathematics began with Pythagoras, 
Archimedes and a few other Greeks,
Although more than one Hindu will say it began with the Sikhs.

But wouldn't you agree it's rather puerile,
If we didn't at least consider the Nile ?
And who would ever want to displease,
Wu Wang, Huang-tese and a billion Chinese.

But I think if the history of math were accurately told,
Of the first man and woman who spun numbers from gold.
We'd have to go back past Greece and the Nile,
Beyond India and China by a country mile.
Past Moses, Noah, and the Queen of Sheeba,
All the way back to Adam and Eva.

~Nats Wolraf~

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