Math is a bit of both – discovered and invented. We discover mathematical truths and patterns in nature, like the Fibonacci sequence in flowers or the geometry of crystals. At the same time, we invent symbols, systems, and languages to describe and work with these concepts. Think of it like discovering a beautiful landscape and then inventing a map to navigate it ¹.
The ancient Greeks, like Pythagoras and Euclid, contributed significantly to math’s development, formalizing concepts like geometry and number theory. Meanwhile, civilizations like the Babylonians, Egyptians, and Indians made their own mark on math, developing systems like base-60 and the concept of zero ² ¹.