"Anyone who has taken in a wondrous rose window knows instinctively that this [music is frozen architecture] is true ..."
Thank you for this thought-provoking piece.
That experience you describe (of 'knowing instinctively that this is true') seems to me profoundly spiritual. It touches on the insight that the underpinning reality of the Universe is Goodness, Truth and Beauty - three mutually affirming and defining Qualities. In that sense it stands apart from the idea that Truth is a verifiable observation of reality.
It is a similar experience to that of the mathematician who finds an argument 'elegant'; and even the lyricist - Everybody loves the sound of a train in the distance / Everybody thinks it's true (Paul Simon).
If, on my first day at maths at school, the whole foundation for learning it was grounded in what you've expressed so beautifully above, I would have jumped in with both feet.
How did we over time lose the pursuit of this mathematical beauty that was invariable recognizable by the masses? Not to say there aren't individuals currently doing this, but as a civilization, this seems to be such a lost "art."
I read this in Paul G. Hewitt's Conceptual Physics, "When the ideas of science are expressed in mathematical terms, they are unambiguous." That is to say, when we speak in human language we may not always make ourselves understood. When we speak in mathematics, the meaning is defined and clear.
..and the subjective, inner experience that can never be measured.” That’s how we beat AI
Indeed...
Excellent inspiration for this homeschool mom to share with the children today. Let the math lessons commence!
Good article I asked the same question 55 years ago I wish I had this article then.
Reading this was a breath of fresh air. I so enjoyed it!
I love this SO much! Thank you!
Thank you for this post. I oversee at a classical Christian school and I'd love to connect with the author if possible.
"Anyone who has taken in a wondrous rose window knows instinctively that this [music is frozen architecture] is true ..."
Thank you for this thought-provoking piece.
That experience you describe (of 'knowing instinctively that this is true') seems to me profoundly spiritual. It touches on the insight that the underpinning reality of the Universe is Goodness, Truth and Beauty - three mutually affirming and defining Qualities. In that sense it stands apart from the idea that Truth is a verifiable observation of reality.
It is a similar experience to that of the mathematician who finds an argument 'elegant'; and even the lyricist - Everybody loves the sound of a train in the distance / Everybody thinks it's true (Paul Simon).
Thank you.
If, on my first day at maths at school, the whole foundation for learning it was grounded in what you've expressed so beautifully above, I would have jumped in with both feet.
I wish my math teachers had inspired me in this way in school...!
God knew I'd be too powerful if I was good at math..
*were
How did we over time lose the pursuit of this mathematical beauty that was invariable recognizable by the masses? Not to say there aren't individuals currently doing this, but as a civilization, this seems to be such a lost "art."
I read this in Paul G. Hewitt's Conceptual Physics, "When the ideas of science are expressed in mathematical terms, they are unambiguous." That is to say, when we speak in human language we may not always make ourselves understood. When we speak in mathematics, the meaning is defined and clear.
Resonating ……..!
Beautiful!
I really enjoyed this. Thank you!
Does all classical music fill you with a sense of calm?