Number 23

Numerology is the belief that numbers have a mystical connection with physical objects, living things, or events. Early mathematicians were interested in numerology - for instance, Pythagoras' theorem is seen as being numerological - an unexplainable connection between numbers and objects. The meaning of numerology is mystical and unknown. However, today, numerology is no longer seen as part of mathematics and is now largely considered a divinatory art that is associated with the occult.

[edit] The significance of the number 23

Known as 'the 23 enigma', there is a belief that every event is somehow linked to the number 23. 23 numerology may just be nothing more than a fluke, and happens only because people strive to find the connections that they want to see in otherwise random and meaningless information. However, many believe that these occurrences and the meaning of numerology are too great to be a coincidence.

[edit] 23 numerology in popular culture

The meaning of numerology, particularly in regards to the number 23, has been explored in popular culture in recent years, in television programs and movies. The most notable is Joel Schumacher's film 'The Number 23', starring Jim Carrey. Although a fictional plot, the film is based around one man's fascination with the number 23 and his realizations that everything in his life somehow relates to 23 numerology.

[edit] Is there any truth to numerology?

No-one knows whether there is any actual mystical truth behind numerology, or if it is just an unexplainable phenomenon. Robert Anton Wilson, who has done a lot of work in investigating the coincidences of the number 23 has said that all the phenomenon shows is how the mind can believe there is 'truth' in anything, if it wants to see it. Even taking that into consideration, there are some occurrences of the number 23 that are so very extraordinary that it cannot help but make the mind ponder. With that said, in popular cultures, some works are manipulated to somehow incorporate the number 23 enigma on purpose. People who accept the number 23 as a natural phenomenon will often find themselves seeing it everywhere, as a 'self-fulfilling prophecy'. If your mind wants to see something, then it will appear everywhere, no more than a psychological quirk.

[edit] Occurrences of the number 23 enigma

• It is believed that the physical biorhythm cycle is 23 days.
• Blood circulates the human body in 23 seconds.
• 23 sets of chromosomes are what it takes to reproduce.
• There are 23 joints in the human arm and 23 vertebrae in the human body.
• The first prime number that has prime numbers as digits is 23.
• Shakespeare's birth and death were both on April 23.
• The 23rd letter of the alphabet is W, that has 2 points down and 3 points up.
• Two thirds, otherwise written as 2/3, is equal as a decimal to 0.666.