" Leonardo Fibonacci, the great 13th century Italian mathematician (1175-1250) created the ‘Fibonacci sequence’ to explain behavior in nature mathematically. History has it that the first question he posed was how many rabbits would be created in one year starting with one pair. "
- Rick Santelli

The quote refers to Leonardo Fibonacci, a prominent Italian mathematician from the 13th century who made significant contributions to mathematics, particularly through his creation of the Fibonacci sequence. This sequence was developed as a way to explain patterns observed in nature mathematically. The sequence starts with one pair of rabbits and calculates how many pairs would exist after a year, based on certain assumptions about their reproduction.

At its core, this quote emphasizes the profound impact that mathematics can have in understanding natural phenomena. Fibonacci’s sequence not only provides insights into rabbit population growth but also reflects broader patterns found throughout nature, such as the arrangement of leaves on plants or the spirals seen in seashells and galaxies. By connecting seemingly abstract mathematical concepts to observable events in the real world, Fibonacci illustrates how mathematics can serve as a universal language for understanding complex systems.

The quote is attributed to Rick Santelli, an American financial journalist known for his influential role in popularizing financial news, especially through CNBC where he hosts "Squawk on the Street." His reference to Fibonacci underscores the relevance of historical mathematical concepts in modern contexts, highlighting their enduring impact across various fields including finance and economics.