I agree with him that mathematical literacy should be more emphasized for a "hacker" -- someone who solves a problem. Obviously, mathematical knowledge comes in

I agree with him that mathematical literacy should be more emphasized for a "hacker" -- someone who solves a problem. Obviously, mathematical knowledge comes in handy for any hacker tackling on physical phenomena. That does not mean, however, mathematics is the most important tool at hacker's disposal. I think the author just wanted to say that understanding mathematics helps solving a problem, but he went overboard to make it sound like someone who does not understand mathematics is a second-rate hacker. I don't believe that hackers are sized by mathematical aptitude.