Abstract: Numerology (shushu)is an important and particular part of Chinese traditional culture. As a cognitive phenomenon,the origin and continuation of numerology is natural. According to the cognitive mechanism of numerology,it believes in a naive dualism of mind-body based on intellectual perception on the one hand,and a hypersensitive and active detection device with evolved advantages. At the cultural level,the fusion of cognition and evaluation,the unity of cognition and action,and the correlative thinking are three main features of numerology. Accordingly,numerology pursues practical effectivity rather than truth.

Key words: numerology (shushu), cognition, culture, naturality