Reply #18: Well, the number have been revealed to be [View All]

[mainegreen]

a part of an equation. Dharma's purpose was to try and alter this equation (this is technically canon but was revealed through the LOST experience, though hinted at in the show). If you're curious about what the equation was highlight the following:

The Valenzetti Equation is the mathematical equation developed by the reclusive Princeton University mathematician Enzo Valenzetti. Its creation was the result of efforts made following the Cuban Missile Crisis by the United States and the Soviet Union to find a solution to the hostility and danger of imminent global disaster created by the Cold War. The equation was secretly commissioned through the UN Security Council and is used to predict the end of the world.

According to the 1975 orientation film in the Sri Lanka Video, the Valenzetti Equation "predicts the exact number of years and months until humanity extinguishes itself." In it, Alvar Hanso also states that the radio transmitter on the Island, will "broadcast the core numerical values of the Valenzetti Equation." The numbers, 4, 8, 15, 16, 23 and 42, are explained in the Sri Lanka Video, as the numerical values to the core environmental and human factors of the Valenzetti Equation. Alvar Hanso also states in the video that the purpose of the DHARMA Initiative is to change the numerical values of any one of the core factors in the equation in order to give humanity a chance to survive. However, Thomas Mittelwerk reveals that as of 2006, they have failed to change the values through manipulating the environment, as the equation continues to arrive at the same six numbers. It is unknown how or if the most recent calculation of the equation is automatically reflected in the radio transmissions.

Rachel Blake also learnt that the Hanso Foundation was forcing savants at the Vik Institute in Iceland to run the equation over and over. Somehow, five hieroglyphic symbols were involved in the calculations, the same hieroglyphs seen on the countdown timer in the Swan station.

The Blast Door Map included a reference to the equation; a zone on the island is marked as being of "low relevance to Valenzetti-related research activity".

The video in which this is revealed: http://www.lostpedia.com/wiki/Sri_Lanka_Video

This, combined with the flashbacks, plus the importance of being on the island has led many (including myself) to think one very likely possibility is Dharma is fighting fate (for obvious reasons based on the equation) and that fate is 'fighting back', though fate is probably just a vague force and not a specific consciousness. The island may possibly, through various unique qualities be immune to the eye of fate (or was as long as the button was pushed).

But then, maybe not! :P

I love this show.