What makes geometry different? Somehow it’s primal, built into our bodies. From the second we exit hollering from the womb we’re reckoning where things are and what they look like. When South American mystics (and their non– South American imitators) drink ayahuasca, the sacred hallucinogenic tea, the first thing that happens — okay, the first thing that happens after the uncontrollable vomiting — is the perception of pure geometric form: repeating two-dimensional patterns like the latticework in a classical mosque, or full three dimensional visions of hexahedral cells clustered into pulsating honeycombs. Geometry is still there when the rest of our reasoning mind is stripped away. Most people I’ve asked this question see the answer as obvious. And they are extremely surprised, sometimes even a little aggrieved, to learn that there are people whose obvious answer differs from their own. The outline of the controversy is quite consistent; the answers “zero holes,” “one hole,” and “two holes” all command substantial support. Math doesn’t answer this question, not exactly. It can’t tell you what you should mean by the word “hole”— that’s between you and your idiolect. But it can tell you something you could mean, which at least keeps you from tripping over your own assumptions. Let me start with an annoyingly philosophical slogan. The straw has two holes; but they are the same hole. The Erdős game for movie stars was invented in the 1990s by a bunch of bored college students who observed that Kevin Bacon had seemingly been in a movie with everyone; he was the Erdős of 1980s and ’90s Hollywood. And so you can define a movie star’s Bacon number to be the distance, in the costar geometry, from Kevin Bacon. Just as almost every mathematician has an Erdős s number, almost every actor has a Bacon number. I happen to have both. My Bacon number is 2, thanks to being in Gifted with Octavia Spencer, who played “Big Customer” opposite Kevin Bacon’s “Jorge” in the 2005 Queen Latifah vehicle Beauty Shop. So my “Erdős-Bacon” number is 3 + 2, or 5. The club of people with an Erdős-Bacon number is pretty small.
✔ Author(s): Jordan Ellenberg
✔ Title: Shape: The Hidden Geometry of Information, Biology, Strategy, Democracy, and Everything Else
✔ Rating : 4.4 out of 5 base on (487 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: 1984879073
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about Shape by Jordan Ellenberg
Jennilee Bartlett
Experience a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and love in this beautifully written novel. The protagonist's struggles and triumphs are portrayed with incredible empathy. Richly developed characters and a compelling plot make the story unforgettable. The emotional depth of the narrative resonates long after the book is closed. It's a touching tale that celebrates the human spirit. Perfect for readers seeking an uplifting read.
Isabella George
Delve into a dystopian world where survival hinges on ingenuity and courage. The author's vivid descriptions and fast-paced narrative keep you on the edge of your seat. The protagonist's journey is filled with thrilling moments and unexpected twists. The world-building is detailed and immersive, creating a believable and haunting setting. It's a gripping tale that explores themes of power, resistance, and hope. Ideal for fans of dystopian fiction.
Aviana Olsen
Immerse yourself in a richly detailed fantasy world where heroes and villains clash in epic battles. The author's intricate plotting and dynamic characters create a compelling narrative. Each twist and turn in the story keeps you hooked from start to finish. The vivid descriptions and imaginative world-building transport you to another realm. It's a thrilling adventure that captures the essence of epic fantasy. Perfect for fans of high-stakes adventures.
