From the passage, it can be inferred that "The Number Devil admires intelligence." The devil emphasizes the simplicity of numbers and suggests that understanding them doesn't require advanced tools, just the basic concept of one. This indicates a level of respect for intelligence and the potential of individuals to grasp mathematical concepts, even if they might seem daunting at first. The devil's approach is more about encouraging understanding rather than displaying impatience or malice.
“You've hit the nail on the head, my boy,” the devil replied. “The thing that makes numbers so devilish is precisely that they are simple. And you don’t need a calculator to prove it. You need one thing and one thing only: one. With one – I am speaking of the numeral, of course – you can do almost anything. If you are afraid of large numbers – let’s say five million seven hundred and twenty-three thousand eight hundred and twelve – all you have to do is start with
1+1
1+1+1 . . .
and go on until you come to five million etcetera. You can’t tell me that’s too complicated for you, can you? Any idiot can see that.”
—The Number Devil,
Hans Magnus Enzenberger
What do you learn about the Number Devil from the passage?
The Number Devil is bad at math.
The Number Devil admires intelligence.
The Number Devil is impatient.
The Number Devil hates children.
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