maths is so useful for physics because it’s developed from the same fundamental principles which govern the physical universe

early humans didn’t invent systems of number, then discover they were useful for measuring and quantifying the physical world

early humans developed systems of number from observation of how the physical world is naturally organised: counting systems are based on measuring and comparing the physical properties of different groups of the same or equivalent physical objects

for *any* type of equivalent physical objects

the quantity we call 1

put with the quantity we call 2

creates the quantity we call 3

this is a physical absolute, according to the law of conservation of energy

numbers and numerical relationships are not merely abstract concepts, they are developed from the same fundamental principles as physical laws