In the past, there was a popular story among mathematicians: a donkey or ass, when faced with a crossroads, would always choose the shortest path to reach fodder or water.

This seemingly simple behavior intrigued scientists; they realized that the animal unconsciously followed the "principle of shortest distance." This idea later inspired the formation of geometric concepts and even trigonometry; where the shortest distance between two points is the straight line.

A technological examination of the donkey story

This story is a symbol of the fact that mathematics emerged from nature and the simple behavior of creatures. Just as the donkey chose the simplest and shortest path to reach its goal, mathematics has expressed the same principle in the form of formulas and theorems:

• In geometry: The shortest distance between two points is a straight line.
• In trigonometry: Using angles and triangular relations, paths and shortest distances can be calculated.

Application in everyday life

The principle of the donkey story is not just for mathematicians; It can also be used in life:

• When we want to do something, the simple and direct path often has the best results.
• Overcomplicating things, such as choosing long paths, only wastes our time and energy.
• In decision-making, the "principle of simplicity" (the same thing the donkey did) can get us to our goal faster.

The importance of the donkey story in mathematics

The importance of this story is that it shows:

• Mathematics is rooted in reality.
• Even a simple animal behavior can inspire a great scientific discovery.
• Science, when it looks at nature, can find deep and practical patterns.

Closing Remarks

The story of the donkey and choosing the shortest path has a clear message:
We don't always have to think complicatedly; sometimes the simplest path is the best and most correct choice.
This is the lesson that is always applicable in both life and mathematics.