I think Hardy's quote connects nicely to a statement by Major (2017), saying that numbers can be a mix of "personal associations and broader social experience". I find this interesting and it makes me think about how most people have a favorite number. Some have stories and explanations behind their favorite number and often relate it to a childhood experience. Some people just like the sound of look of the number.
I think it would be interesting to introduce this to secondary math students. Numbers can be abstract and easily detached from oneself. By assigning numbers a personality or story, students may find it easier to relate mathematics to their personal experiences, and therefore to real-life situations.
Numbers don't have particular personalities to me, but some numbers are associated to personal experiences and culture. I find these numbers sometimes guide my decision making or behaviour. For example, whenever there is a class activity that asks me to pick a number, I always pick my favorite number.
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