The truths of algebra are universal. They are not dependent on culture, language, or even our species.

The commutative property (a+b = b+a) would be true for any intelligent species in the universe that developed a system of counting.

The logic of an equation, the necessity of balance, is a fundamental property of structure itself.

This is why mathematics is considered the most likely candidate for a 'universal language' for interstellar communication.

An alien civilization might not understand our biology or our art, but they would understand that the prime numbers are a special set.

They would understand that a geometric shape has properties that can be described by an equation.

The universality of algebra suggests that we are tapping into a reality that exists outside of our own minds.

We are discovering the fundamental grammar of the cosmos.

This is a profound and humbling idea.

When you solve an equation, you are participating in a process that is as universal as the law of gravity.