In the days leading up to blog post day, I knock around a few ideas, outline them, and choose the most relevant ones. I ended up settling on something that's not obviously relevant, at least in the discipline for which it resides; Mathematics.
What is unique about the number known as Kaprekar’s Constant; 6174? On the surface, not much. However, this number's seemingly magical uniqueness goes beyond the obvious and belies the fact that we know precious little about the world around us.
If you take any four-digit number that does not have four repeating numbers (like 1111 or 4444) and apply this algorithm, the answer is always 6174.
- Select a random four-digit number, say 2145.
- Create two new numbers with these four digits, one descending, the other ascending: 5421 and 1245.
- Subtract them: 5421-1245=4176
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 until…
4176… 7641-1467=6174
You will arrive at 6174 in 7 iterations or less. For example, the number 1211 takes five iterations.
Why does 6174 have this unique property? What other numbers have a similarly unique property? What does it say about the mathematician Kaprekar that he discovered this? Does this have any value? These are all questions we can ask ourselves.
Why am I unique? What a fantastic thing to take some time to understand. Self-reflection is the fulcrum of advancement. Perhaps the earliest recorded record of the impact of self-reflection comes from the writings of Marcus Aurelius. Marcus Aurelius, the only Roman emperor who also gained the title of philosopher, is one of the most unique in classic literature when considering the fact it was written without the idea of publication. They were his personal journals devoted to self-reflection. Aurelius is an aspiring individual who stands to remind our anemic and easily disheartened race how human goodness and perseverance are timeless.
What uniqueness do others possess? Every one of us has a story that is our own. In a way, this is the epitome of being alone; no one will ever understand me completely. When this perspective is applied to others, our perspective changes. We can never know how another comes to their understanding of the world. Therefore, we should never judge. We should always teach. We should do our best to share our unique perspectives and knowledge. We should always listen; if we disagree, we accept the difference and move on.
Is any time of ours wasted? That is an interesting question, I think. Kaprekar's discovery is enigmatic to me. How does one come upon such an obscure numerical characteristic? What it says to me is that the human condition is defined by sometimes seemingly senseless pursuit and discovery. How often have we come to regret "wasting time" on some endeavor? I submit that we waste no time if we take the time to reflect and learn. Each second on this earth offers insight and opportunity no matter what we do with each second. There are no "do-overs." Each decision must inform our present, which will manifest in our future. Now, let's consider the final question.
Does everything we do have value? Kaprekar's Constant is a fascinating foray into time spent on a seemingly worthless endeavor. Unlike Pi or Avogadro's Number or Plank's Constant, Kaprekar's effort seems merely to be a parlor trick. For Kaprekar, I submit that the action was not worthless. The mental discipline further developed in pursuing this discovery is remarkable. The wonder that this numerical property engenders is awe-inspiring; at least for me…clearly…:>)
That's all for this week. I'll offer a 30-minute session at this Saturday's Elevate Women's Conference at Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, on the "Four Corners of Personal Growth." If you're in the area, check it out.
Oh, and if anyone wants to geek out on Kaprekar, here is the proof.
