The ultimate physical/mathematical beauty

  • Context: Mathematica 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Loren Booda
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    Beauty
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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores various phenomena in mathematics and physics that inspire awe among participants. Topics range from theoretical concepts to natural wonders, encompassing both real and imagined phenomena.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express awe at the early universe's galaxies, suggesting a connection between macrocosmos and microcosmos.
  • Wave-particle duality is mentioned as a significant source of inspiration.
  • The potential existence of extraterrestrial life is noted as a phenomenon that could surpass human imagination.
  • One participant shares a transformative experience with string theory and expresses admiration for Euclidean geometry.
  • A simple rainbow is highlighted as a source of inspiration for one participant.
  • The universe, particularly life, light, and energy, is described as a source of wonder.
  • Another participant reflects on the uniqueness of human life and its preciousness, referencing Carl Sagan.
  • The formulas for gravity are presented as awe-inspiring mathematical expressions.
  • One participant marvels at humanity's ability to understand the universe and its laws, likening it to divine knowledge.
  • Mathematical expressions such as Euler's identity and the Fibonacci sequence are mentioned as beautiful concepts.
  • Natural phenomena, such as water's movement in a lake, are described as sources of awe.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of personal inspirations without a clear consensus on a single phenomenon that inspires awe. Multiple competing views remain, reflecting diverse perspectives on beauty in mathematics and physics.

Contextual Notes

Participants' responses are subjective and based on personal experiences and interpretations, which may vary widely in meaning and significance.

Loren Booda
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From your visions of mathematical and physical wonders, what real or imagined phenomenon inspires the most awe?

(For me? The myriad and kaleidoscopic nascent galaxies of the early universe, shown in the Hubble Deep Field. Also, a model that depicts the macrocosmos also existing within us as a microcosmos, proposed in my website below.)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Wave-particle duality.

- Warren
 
From your visions of mathematical and physical wonders, what real or imagined phenomenon inspires the most awe?

The nature of extra terrestials, if they exist. 'Cause they will be nothing we can ever imagine.
 
when i read the string theory explanation for how particles interact in particular antiparticles it was like a light being turned on, ever since i have been i love with physics.

i also never cease to be astounded by euclidian geometry, so beautifully perfect yet perfectly simple!
 
What inspires the most awe?

For me, a simple rainbow.
 
[inte]Cos[x]/[x^2+1] dx = [pi]/e
int from -[oo] to [oo]
 
In general, the universe.

In particular, life, light and energy.
 
I would have to concur with J-man.
I don't know how many times I've just stopped marveled at the beauty of life. From complex humans to basic bacteria, it amazes me all. I'd also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone how precious life is. Even though you may be sick and tired of someone in your daily life, or wonder "What were his parents thinking when they made him?!" we are ALL special. To paraprase Mr. Carl Sagan, even if the universe is brimming with intelligent life, our species on such a grand scale is completely unique. We are in essence, endangered.
 
The formulae for gravity.

F = GmM/r2

or

F = ∇(Gmm/r)
 
  • #10
That we humans can know, know the Universe, it's laws, mathematics and
logic and thus the mind of God. Isn't "The Big Bang" just another way of saying "Let there be light."
 
  • #11
  • e[pi]i + 1 = 0
  • calculus notation in general
  • The pictures those guys from IBM made of quantum corrals
  • Rock faces (particularly in Cuese)
  • Falling Water (the Frank Lloyd Wright house, and just plain old H2O under the effects of gravity)
  • Yosemite
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #12
the Fibonacci sequence

eNtRopY
 
  • #13
Oops I left one thing of my list:

Mr. Burns! I mean look at that sexy beast. He's almost too hot to be allowed in these forums!
 
  • #14
The fact that the Universe makes any sense at all. It never ceases to amaze me that we can actually write symbols on a piece of paper and predict what will happen in a limited amount of experiments.
 
  • #15
As I go to one of my later classes, I pass by a small lake and just stare in awe as the water bounces and undulates about.
 

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