This phrase by the great philosopher and mathematician captures, with surprising precision, the essence of how we perceive music. Some melodies stir our souls, give us goosebumps, and fill us with a sense of euphoria — that elusive feeling we call a “high.” Others pass us by, leaving no trace. But why does this happen?

Think back to your school days. We all tackled math problems — some easy, some challenging. And we all remember the thrill of solving a difficult one. That burst of joy, the rush of energy — what we now call an endorphin surge — is remarkably similar to what we experience when listening to music. As the music plays, our brain unconsciously solves intricate mathematical puzzles. When it succeeds, it rewards us with a dose of happiness hormones — and we feel harmony, bliss.

Music, at its core, is built on numbers — simple, yet strict arithmetic. Pythagoras was among the first to try to express its mysteries in ratios and proportions. This hidden mathematics explains why we enjoy some music deeply and remain indifferent to others. Our minds are like processors tuned to recognize specific patterns. When a melody fits those patterns, it resonates; when it doesn’t — we may find it hard to connect.

But the mind can be trained. It can grow stronger. Take jazz, for example — especially modern jazz. Many find it hard to enjoy at first. Why? Because its underlying mathematics is more complex. But with time, patience, and open ears, the brain begins to “decode” it. And then, simpler music may no longer satisfy us — much like how constantly solving “2 + 2” becomes dull and uninspiring.

So perhaps the pleasure we get from music is nothing less than the joy of the soul solving a beautiful equation.

The author hopes that his works will seem neither too simple nor overly complex.