Quote Originally Posted by MadMojoMonkey View Post
I haven't researched this in years. Start with google.

On the one hand, smart people have to think long and hard to figure out new cool stuff in mathematics, so it seems like it's an inventing process, mentally.

On the other hand, it seems like extreme hubris to think an alien species could come to Earth, we show them our math, and they're, "Who would've ever suspected there was order in the universe? Look at this, guys!" If it's just there to be sussed out, more of a discovery process than invention.

Big names in mathematics disagree over how it feels in the moment. Some even posit spiritual guidance or epiphany.
Was the wheel invented or discovered?