The assertion that 23 is the "most evil number" stems primarily from its prominent role in conspiracy theories and popular culture, rather than any inherent mathematical property. Its perceived "evilness" is a product of association and interpretation.
The Number 23 in Popular Culture
The idea of 23 as a significant or even "evil" number gained traction through various channels:
-
"The Law of Fives" and Discordianism: This principle from the Principia Discordia (a satirical religion) suggests that everything happens in fives, or is divisible by or is somehow related to five. This can be manipulated to find the number 23 lurking behind all events (2+3=5).
-
Robert Anton Wilson's Illuminatus! Trilogy: This series of novels heavily featured the number 23, associating it with conspiracies and bizarre events.
-
The Film The Number 23 (2007): This movie, starring Jim Carrey, tells the story of a man obsessed with the number 23 and its apparent connections to dark events in his life. According to some reports, Jim Carrey even fired his agent and manager during a screening of the film, highlighting its impact.
Why 23?
The specific choice of 23 is somewhat arbitrary. However, the human brain is wired to seek patterns, and once the idea of 23 as significant is planted, it becomes easier to "find" it everywhere.
It's All About Perception
Ultimately, there's no objective reason why 23 should be considered evil. Its association with evil is entirely subjective and arises from its role in fiction and conspiracy theories. It's an example of apophenia – the tendency to perceive meaningful connections between unrelated things. The "evil" nature of 23 exists only in the minds of those who believe in its significance.
