The Most Beautiful Equation?

I like that equation (though with the 1 on the other side of the equation so it ends 1 = 0). When written in the other fashion it combines 5 VERY important mathematical constants. But it’s a rather trivial equation which doesn’t really have too much to say about the world. Maxwell’s equations are indeed beautiful.

Fibonacci Numbers and the golden ration have to create the “most beautiful” mathematical equation.

The Golden ratio (which leads to the golden rectangle) is: 1 [SQRT(5)/2].

This ratio is a consideration of ascetic beauty with the Fibonacci based on this ratio being the basis derived by the Greeks as that which encompasses physical beauty and desirability. This is both in people and creations. The Pantheon is (when the roof is included) very close to a perfect golden rectangle.

In nature, the ratio abounds. The fact that the golden rectangle is that only one that, when a square is cut from its area to the sides, leaves another golden rectangle (and so forth ad infinitum). This is reflected in the shell of the Nautilus. It is mirrored in the spiral pattern of the composite sun flower and daisy.

So, though there are other magnificent equations, the golden ratio and Fibonacci Numbers are beautiful and it may even be that we are programmed to accept this neurologically.

Most of the examples people have used to demonstrate the Golden ratio in art are “almosts.” Papers have been written about the apparent myth that artists used it consciously in their work. The fact is, if you look at a lot of data (say many many works of art and architecture), you can find “almost” any ratio you want somewhere. Nonetheless, the series 1,1,2,3,5,8,13,… whose ratios approach the Golden ratio does come up in surprising places (in nature and mathematics) and is indeed beautiful.

Most of the examples people have used to demonstrate the Golden ratio in art are “almosts.” Papers have been written about the apparent myth that artists used it consciously in their work. The fact is, if you look at a lot of data (say many many works of art and architecture), you can find “almost” any ratio you want somewhere. Nonetheless, the series 1,1,2,3,5,8,13,… whose ratios approach the Golden ratio does come up in surprising places (in nature and mathematics) and is indeed beautiful.

Cool

What has god got to do with it?