Isn't it more a function of our intellect being based on discerning distinctions and differences, within the continuum? Otherwise it all melts together.

Consider that when we add things together, we have one of something larger, not discrete entities just clustered.

Ingredients of a cake? One cake.

What 1+1=2 really means is that if we add two sets of one, we have one set of two.

Our tactile, object oriented focus is still obsessed with the sticks and stones, than their context.