Fibonacci Numbers, Lucas Numbers, and the Way Plants Grow


(Video Link)

The highly entertaining Vi Hart is back with another episode of Doodling in Math Class. Her videos are fun to watch, clear and easy to understand, and express the joy of scientific discovery:

This pattern is not just useful, not just beautiful, but inevitable. This is why science and mathematics are so much fun. You discover things that seem impossible to be true and then get to figure out why it's impossible for them to not be.

-via Make

Related: a wonderful cartoon by Abstruse Goose that makes the same point.


Comments (2)

Newest 2
Newest 2 Comments

What a great video! Nice explanation with that plants and drawings. It is nice to see that Fibonacci numbers are everywhere. I am using them in trading markets, and from what I know some of traders are also using Lucas Numbers.

And I think Chris is right about that Fibonacci cocaine :D
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
The human thirst for knowledge only extends to a length inversely proportionate to his/her will to ignorance, which generally extends a lot further. The Will to Ignorance is more palatable than the Will to Knowledge because of it's social value.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
I somewhat agree Ryan, but I think it depends on whether or not a person places value on knowledge above other equally as valuable things, like love or money. I think his point was that if you're curious for knowledge, the best way to live and learn is to admit lack of knowledge. You approach changing truths and discover new knowledge more fervently than if you thought you "knew," particularly if you come from the viewpoint that science in its entirety is not proven and everything is completely theoretical, which might be where his commitments to "lack of purpose" and truth came from. Vaclav Havel said something relevant: "Keep the company of those who seek the truth--run from those who have found it." Therefore, to admit ignorance is knowledge. I think Feynman probably could care less about whether or not he was socially palatable, especially considering his public disdain for the social workings of the National Academy of Sciences. Sorry if I'm being a little abstract here. You brought up a good point to think about.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
I liked his line about one little aspect of God coming to Earth and look what it’s created…. Like our views of God are the surface views of the flower and to expand beyond that (the flower to all its aspects vs. the Earth compared to the complexity of the universe)

In one stroke he doubts God, but then expands the beauty of God to the universe… and states that our beliefs are as limiting to Gods true beauty as limiting our understanding of the flower to only its surface “one centimeter”

There’s a helluva lot in that one little video…
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.
Email This Post to a Friend
"Fibonacci Numbers, Lucas Numbers, and the Way Plants Grow"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More