Imagining The Infinite
Actually, I don't think it can be done. Infinity is one of those weird things which I can understand, logically, but which I can't picture or imagine. Trying to imagine it is a bit like that thing with peripheral vision where you think you see something out of the corner of your eye, but when you turn your focus on it, there's nothing there.
I was, and probably still am, fairly average at mathematics, but nevertheless it fascinates me. There's a kind of beauty in how it all fits together so perfectly. Perhaps that's part of its beauty - it has to be perfect or it wouldn't be mathematics.
I had to do some calculations today. Just a straightforward addition of a list of numbers written on a piece of paper. I calculated the result in my head, rather than using a calculator, because I enjoy looking for patterns which make the task easier. I scanned the list and found pairs which, when added together, gave a 'round number' result.
As an example, I saw 1400 near the top, and then further down the list, 1600, so I paired them to make 3000. If I'm doing it in my head, I can only use the technique on number lists which are visible in their entirety. Does it confirm that I am in fact a sad old nerd, because I get enjoyment from doing it? Who cares? I certainly don't.
While on the subject of the beauty of mathematics, here's a video which shows that beauty magnificently. It was posted on Diaspora by an internet friend, and it was the thing that got me thinking, and prompted this post. Enjoy.
