Homework 9/30

The creation of zero was so important because it made mathematical calculations much easier. The concept of zero had been invented before, but Indian mathematicians adopted a place-value notation, where the value of a symbol depends on its place in the representation of a number. Therefore, the number zero could be inserted into a number to completely change its value; 123 became 1023. Also, math was much easier because it dealt with all numbers, as opposed to using letters of the alphabet like the Romans. 

With Zarathustra, he considered the material world a blessing that reflected the benevolent nature of the supreme god, Ahura Mazda. But in the Bhagavad Gita, it states that full understanding of truth does not come to those "attached to worldly pleasures and power". These would be contrasting ideas, as in Zoroastrism they value material things more and people could enjoy the world and its fruits. In Confuscionism, he emphasized the value of ren, which said that government needed to advocate benevolence and humanity and avoid wars. Meanwhile, the Bhagavad Gita stresses the detatchment of feelings and to just do your duty and fight the battles you're supposed to.