Here is an example: "I have 12." That statement is nonsensical. It must be put into context for it to make sense. 12 must be qualified. 12 is an abstract concept and cannot stand alone.
Put it into the realm of Bitcoin and 12 becomes a very concrete and discrete thing. 12 is my private key. It exists in a very real and discrete space. The address 1LWsLyY2j2mPtYcG9yG2bDFwTWryiJL6sp is derived from that key and can be assigned bitcoin. If you take 12 out of its home and context and put it anywhere else in the world it will retain all of its former properties. No matter what else, 12 is the key to sign transactions at that address.
I am fully aware that discrete mathematics has been around for a long time and has dealt with these concepts. It is one of the building blocks of cryptography which is in turn one of the building blocks of Bitcoin. It is just that for me, Bitcoin is one of the best examples of translating the abstract concept of numbers into a concrete object.
I am fully aware that discrete mathematics has been around for a long time and has dealt with these concepts. It is one of the building blocks of cryptography which is in turn one of the building blocks of Bitcoin. It is just that for me, Bitcoin is one of the best examples of translating the abstract concept of numbers into a concrete object.
