Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast: “The Lost Art of Counting” Summary
Host: Scott Becker
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Introduction
In the April 24, 2025 episode of the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast, host Scott Becker delves into a thought-provoking discussion titled “The Lost Art of Counting.” Becker explores the diminishing prevalence of fundamental counting and mathematical skills in everyday activities and various professional settings. He underscores the societal implications of this decline and advocates for a renewed emphasis on basic numeracy.
The Decline of Fundamental Counting Skills
Becker begins by observing a noticeable trend: the erosion of basic counting abilities among individuals who once possessed strong mathematical skills.
“People grew up, they did so much counting and so much math themselves. Some on the calculator, but not so much computers that they could still actually count.”
— Scott Becker [00:30]
He highlights that reliance on technology, such as calculators and computers, has supplanted the need for manual counting, leading to a depreciation of these essential skills.
Real-World Examples Illustrating the Loss
Becker provides several vivid examples to illustrate how the lack of basic counting skills manifests in everyday scenarios:
1. Golf Tournaments
During a golf tournament the previous year, Becker recounts an incident where one party failed to accurately count their strokes, resulting in disqualification.
“I remember vividly a golf tournament last year where one party couldn't count and essentially got the score from the tournament for a failure of the inability to count all of their strokes.”
— Scott Becker [00:45]
This example underscores the practical consequences of losing fundamental counting abilities in structured activities.
2. Sports and Personal Training
Becker further explores how this decline affects sports and fitness training. He cites instances in tennis games where scores are miscounted and personal trainers struggling to keep track of repetitions.
“Sometimes they put up just a big iPad with that with a counter because they've lost the lost art of counting and need to use that to do it.”
— Scott Becker [02:15]
He notes that personal trainers often rely on digital counters to manage workout reps, indicating a reliance on technology for basic tasks that were traditionally handled manually.
3. General Sports Scoring
Beyond golf and fitness, Becker observes similar issues in other sports, where scorekeeping errors occur due to a diminished capacity to count accurately.
“In tennis games, somebody's keeping score and they got the score wrong because they've lost the art of counting.”
— Scott Becker [02:50]
These examples collectively highlight a broader trend affecting various facets of daily life and organized activities.
Societal Implications and the Need for Educational Reform
Becker connects these observations to a larger societal issue: the diminishing emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and, specifically, math education.
“I think this is something that as a society, we talk about going back to the basics. STEM education, math education. We need to get better at this as a society.”
— Scott Becker [03:10]
He argues that the foundational skills of counting and mathematics are critical not only for personal competence but also for maintaining the integrity of competitive and professional environments.
Advocating for a Return to Basics
Concluding his discussion, Becker emphasizes the importance of reinstating basic counting skills across all age groups. He envisions a society where individuals are proficient in manual counting, reducing over-reliance on digital tools and enhancing overall numerical literacy.
“This is my bully pulpit to bring back counting and math for people of all ages. We need it. The lost art of counting.”
— Scott Becker [04:00]
Conclusion
In “The Lost Art of Counting,” Scott Becker effectively brings attention to the subtle yet pervasive decline in fundamental counting abilities. Through relatable examples and a compelling argument for educational reform, he calls for a collective effort to reintegrate basic numeracy into daily life and professional practices. This episode serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of maintaining and nurturing essential mathematical skills in an increasingly digital world.
For more insights and discussions on private equity and business, tune into future episodes of the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast.