Juan José Millás explores the philosophy of mathematical equations

In a reflective essay, Juan José Millás explores the philosophical and mysterious nature of mathematical equations while attempting to explain the concept to his grandson.

Millás describes the unknown variable, such as ‘x’ or ‘y’, as a mask or a placeholder for a hidden reality. He compares the process of solving an equation to a detective story where the goal is to unmask the unknown. He further contemplates the equal sign as a symbol of how two different appearances can represent the same underlying truth, drawing parallels to the literary themes of mirrors and doubles found in the works of Jorge Luis Borges.

Ultimately, the author muses that the universe itself may function as an equation where humanity exists on one side of the equal sign, constantly attempting to solve the mystery of existence.