Work Text:
x – y = 0
therefore, x = y.
y stands for “you”. it is the independent variable. there is nothing left behind when it leaves.
alternatively,
x + y = 0
two options:
- x = 0, y = 0
- x and y are negative reciprocals that together amount to nothing.
cancellation. nullification. the singularity of a paradox.
x + (-y) = 0.
汚れっちまった悲しみに + (-人間失格) = 0
these equations mean the same thing.
numbers deal chiefly in losses and gains. one must ponder briefly on the nature of the relationship between two mathematical variables in a single equation. what is it to be halved and halved and halved until you are less than existence itself?
x + y = a
there. a combination of two individual values that results in a separate sum beyond either addend. it can be substituted as such:
中原中也 + 太宰 治 = 双黒
the existence of such an equation implies the existence of:
a – y = x
双黒 – 太宰 治 = 中原中也
a – x = y
双黒 – 中原中也 = 太宰 治
the sum is reliant on the presence of both addends at one time. if one is removed, the equation becomes false. for example:
中原中也 ≠ 双黒
there is no sum without either one of the variables. it does not exist. it cannot exist.
y + b ≠ a
it is entirely possible for one variable to be taken away and transplanted into a different equation. this, in turn, will create a different sum:
太宰 治 + 国木田 独歩 ≠ 双黒
thus, an equation can only exist under a specific set of circumstances. two variables, when added together, can only have a single possible sum. when the equation is taken apart, it is no longer the equation.
x + y = a
c + d = a
however, a single possible sum can be made up of several different combinations of numbers.
芥川 龍之介 + 中島 敦 = 双黒
it’s different, though. there are no coined terms to account for that, whether the number four is a “2 + 2 four” or a “3 + 1 four”; that is, in essence, the purpose of an equation. it is the only context necessary for a given outcome.
x ÷ 2 = 1
therefore, x = 2. a single number. 1 + 1 = 2.
2 ÷ 2 = 1
this is mathematically correct.
x ÷ 2 = 1
what if it were this: x = 1.
this is mathematically false. 1 ÷ 2 = 0.5, or one half of a whole.
however, 荒覇吐 ≠ 0.5.
中原中也 ÷ 2 = 1. two ones.
中原中也 ÷ 2 = 荒覇吐 and 中原中也
wrong, wrong, wrong. it is thematically accurate, though. mathematics is a poor representation of mythology; objectivity and subjectivity are antonyms by definition.
some philosophy for the road: claiming subjectivity exists in all things is an act of claiming objectivity. the human psyche is fond of its moral dilemmas insomuch it has created a dilemma of itself. everything is constructed from nothing.
so, 0 + 0 = 1. even 荒覇吐 had surely been nothing once.