And this is the basic problem with humans.

keep in mind, im not using this as an arguement against this thought, but it got me thinking about something somewhat related...when i draw, most of the time i don't have any idea what im drawing until its nearly done, and over time i decided that what i draw wasnt meant to be any one thing in particular, it was intended to get the viewer thinking. my goal is not to tell you what it is i drew, but rather, for you to tell me what you see in it. i find my own things too in my art, but often, when a fresh set of eyes is involved, they come up with something i never noticed.

the sentiment is very true; however, there are those that use this to enforce their own micro-management of other people's lives. Yes, 5=4 =9, but so does 6=3. 3 squared is also 9. Oftentimes there are multiple ways of seeing something, or getting a job done, but there are people out there that just want it done their way, fo no other reason than 'they said so'.

As with most things, your above illustration is true; but like the lined out comment on the drawing, this too can be warped into something unhealthy.

It is very subjective - no matter how you look at it

We are so divided politically, socially and economically. How can we agree on a number?

Thats a very true statement! And there are many who don't want to learn, that's the sad thing.