Symmetry: Reality’s Riddle
November 13, 2009
Hat tip to Dan at mathrecreation.
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1. If you want a great not quite symmetrical is Monet’s “The Poplars.” T.S. Lee used this as an example that symmetry is wonderful, but not perfect in lectures in the 1970′s.
2. What’s amazing is how few references to Emily Noether’s work is in the common conversation. Her proof that every symmetry demands an invariant and vice-versa is exceptionally important. (I’m not an expert on this.)
Thanks for the comments, Dennis! Your note set me to looking, and I found a few blog posts trying to bring Noether’s work to light:
* Emmy Noether, Symmetry And Conservation Laws
* Emmy Noether – Ada Lovelace Day!
* “Honorary men”