The Crest of the Peacock introduction - Blog Response #2

     It is quite surprising to read about the adverse affects of colonization when it comes to overwriting history in a mathematical context. It is disheartening to hear that European ideologies dominated in the 19th century, resulting in the devaluation of colonized peoples contributions. We see the same occurrence even further back in history as the Eurocentric model credits Ancient Greece for the origins of math and not Egypt nor Mesopotamia. I like how the book goes into more depth and shows us gradual improvements of figures that holistically represent the trajectory of mathematical development. Although the later figures depict confusing arrows that point in various directions and even having multiple of them converge to a singular spot, it emphasizes how math and culture is intertwined through diverse eras of countries and civilizations. Math is a collaborative process and we should aim to recognize all those who have contributed. 

    I also find it interesting that there are sources and possible factual evidence that describe Pythagoras travelling around the world to places like India. It makes me wonder if there are documented cases of any other notable scholars at time decided set off on foot or sail to explore the world in search of knowledge. Something that also came to my knowledge in recent years is that math concepts like place-holder values, solving quadratic equations, and the infamous Pythagoras theorem have all made their appearance in various regions. I wouldn't have ever guessed that the word "algebra" is of Arabic origin if I never took the time to inquire about it. I hope that our society continues to attribute mathematical findings to their appropriate contributors and accept it in all its diverse forms!