BEAUTY
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Beauty

In Mathematics

Background

Mathematicians aspire to the discovery and description of patterns, and the derivation of the proof of hypotheses and theorems. Many such hypotheses and theorems emanate from within mathematics, or have their inspiration in association with theoretical physics

Some problems are simply created for the pure pleasure in solving them. Although there is much in mathematics that does not have immediate applicability, history has shown that, sooner or later, applications appear.

Significant in this respect, is the concept of number theory which originally appeared to be without any application suited to the real world. However, all this changed after the development of the computer when it came into its own in the context of algorithms and cryptography.

Insight

There are countless mathematicians who derive aesthetic pleasure and gratification from their endeavours. Indeed, some may go as far as saying that mathematics in itself may be described as being beautiful. Some have described mathematics as an art form involving elements of creative activity. In some quarters, its beauty has been compared with that of poetry, and even music.

The great philosopher, Bertrand Russell, eloquently expressed his sense of beauty in his description of mathematics:
“Mathematics, rightly viewed, possesses not only truth, but supreme beauty – a beauty cold and austere, like that of sculpture, without appeal to any part of our weaker nature, without the gorgeous trappings of painting or music, yet sublimely pure, and capable of a stern perfection such as only the greatest art can show. The true spirit of delight and exaltation is to be found in mathematics as surely as poetry.”

Paul Erdos, the prolific Hungarian mathematician, expressed his views of mathematics when he said:
“Why are numbers beautiful? It’s like asking why Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony is beautiful. I know numbers are beautiful. If they aren’t beautiful, nothing is.”


Beauty – How To Succeed


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