Name: Anonymous 2008-01-24 10:17
1 is a point arbitrarily distant from zero, from which we define integers as being multiple units of 1, and rational numbers as fractions and divisions of 1. You can say 1 is equal to ten tenths of 1, but you only define those tenths in relation to the distance of 1. 1 itself, like a rod or cubit, is defined by us, and has no bearing on reality. One could just as easily make another point on the number line the unit for "1" and create mathematics from there. The value of 1 is assumed by us, making it relative outside of human civilization just as a medieval king would measure his foot to determine the standard measure.