Is it a good idea to get a tattoo of mathematical equations?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the idea of getting tattoos of mathematical equations, specifically Newton's second law, and the aesthetic and correctness concerns associated with such tattoos. Participants explore personal preferences, societal perceptions, and alternative ideas related to mathematical representations in tattoo art.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to get a tattoo of Newton's second law but is concerned about the correctness of using partial derivatives instead of ordinary ones.
  • Several participants argue that getting equations tattooed is silly, with one participant stating it should never be done.
  • Another participant suggests that while equations may be silly, mathematical concepts could be represented in a more artistic manner, mentioning a design involving a mapping between a simplicial complex and a 2-sphere.
  • Some participants propose humorous alternatives, such as tattooing prime numbers and creating a playful identity around it.
  • One participant recommends exploring Tengwar, the elven language from the Lord of the Rings, as a visually appealing alternative to equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the appropriateness of tattooing equations, with a significant number expressing negative views on the idea. However, there are differing opinions on the representation of mathematical concepts more broadly.

Contextual Notes

Concerns about the permanence and correctness of mathematical representations in tattoos are highlighted, as well as the subjective nature of aesthetic preferences.

cmmcnamara
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So this is slightly off topic but still physics related.

I want to get a tattoo of Newton's second law in a few forms on my arm and this is what I've settled on:

\sum{\vec{F}}=\frac{∂\vec{p}}{∂t}=-\nablaφ

The only thing I am a bit worried about, is although I aesthetically like the partial derivative symbolism better am I just a bit worried about having something permanent on my arm that is incorrect. So just as a verification, would it be silly if the partial differential symbols were used in place of the ordinary ones? Thanks guys!
 
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Yes, it looks silly.
 


don't get equations tattooed, ever
 


Ben Niehoff said:
Yes, it looks silly.

genericusrnme said:
don't get equations tattooed, ever

Agreed with both of them
 


you could tatoo yourself with a collection of prime numbers and then when someone asks you could say you're the indivisible man.

if you like the flow of the partial maybe you should look into Tengwar the elven language in the Lord of the Rings. Its cryptic but can be phonetically pronounced and looks cool although perhaps not as a tatoo.
 


jedishrfu said:
you could tattoo yourself with a collection of prime numbers and then when someone asks you could say you're the indivisible man.

Ba doom tish!
 


genericusrnme said:
don't get equations tattooed, ever

Agreed. Equations in particular are just silly, though there is nothing wrong with mathematical concepts in general (I've been working on a design that illustrates a mapping between a simplicial complex and a 2-sphere)
 

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